Joints

Joints and health

We all know we have to remain active to remain healthy. Do you pay attention to your joint Range Of Movement (ROM) when they do not hurt or restrict your movement.

Often the first time anyone pays attention to a joint is when there is pain. However, keeping your joints as healthy and happy for as long as possible required daily maintenance.

            Nearly every joint in the human body is a synovial joint. Synovial fluid has a very particular characteristic. It is a ‘Non-Newton Fluid’. So what does that mean. Newtonian fluids either reduce the viscosity or it remain the same when under stress or being heated. However, non-Newtonian fluids change their viscosity (how easily a fluid flows) when under stress. Synovial fluid increases its support and therefore its viscosity, when under pressure such as ROM of a joint &/or body weight.

            Synovial fluid is formed by the transfer of fluid and nutrients into and out of the synovial capsule via the synovial membrane, and has 2 main functions

1               to supply the synovial fluid into the joint

2               to supply nourishment for the health of the articular cartilage on the ends of the bones.

Changes to the Synovial fluid production can be impacted by

            The delivery of blood (oxygen/nutrients) to the synovial membrane

            The removal of metabolic waste from the synovial fluid and capsule.

            The health (function) of the joint membrane that lines the joint capsule.

            Excessive &/or repetitive use of the joint

            Lack of support by the surrounding muscles

            Despite what the beauty industry tells you, Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of synovial fluid, secreted by the synovial membrane. It is a vital component of the Articular cartilage. Yes it is also in the skin and needed for wound repair. Diet can aid with the productions of HA but to maintain its production, weight bearing exercise with a full range of motion (RoM) of the joint, on a daily basis, is the best interventions.

            Start every day with completing a full RoM for EVERY joint to wake up the production of SF joint and all the supporting muscles.

            At the end of the day, complete a gently RoM for all joints to ensure all metabolic waste has been expelled out of the joint.

These daily movements will greatly aid in maintaining the health of all the joints in the body.

Enjoy the feeling of the movements, moving with the breath to wake up the body and then     relax the body.