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WELLNESS
Motion Is Lotion I
n physical therapy school I learned the phrase “motion is lotion,” which refers to the idea that when joints move, they feel better. Now, many years later, I am still preaching that idea to my patients at MAC. From knee replacement surgery to shoulder rotator cuff repair, movement is a positive action in the rehab process. Time and time again, patients tell me they feel better after therapy not because of anything in particular that I did with them, but because they moved. First off, moving gets the blood flowing to joints, increasing circulation and bringing good oxygenated blood and nutrients to them. Secondly, movement releases synovial fluid joints, which act as a lubricant and helps joints move more smoothly. “Motion is lotion” applies to all bodies, even those not in rehab from surgery. In physical therapy, I use the stationary bike for most of my lower extremity patients to warm up joints prior to their session. But a spin bike is a great way for anyone to move without loading too much pressure on their joints. Of course, doing any one thing for too long can cause problems. All exercise should be done in moderation, giving muscles a chance to recover.
Muscle pain is a very normal response to exercise. And while the phrase “no pain, no gain” is commonly heard in workout situations, I don’t use it often in physical therapy because I am not looking to increase my patients discomfort. However, for the weekend warrior, post-exercise pain or delayed onset muscle soreness is a very normal response. Here’s something to consider: A couch potato and a marathon runner both have the same muscle soreness after a workout. One because their muscles are deconditioned (out of shape) and the other because they completed a grueling test of endurance with highly conditioned muscles. No matter what one’s conditioning level, the only way to become a better person physically is to move. Often the hardest thing is getting off the couch and getting moving. There are plenty of MAC members looking to take that challenging first step. Finding others to work out with — in an organized exercise class or self-directed — helps everyone in the group stay accountable to someone and keep moving! — Jay Jensen, Physical Therapist (Jay@PTatthemac.com)
Learn about how MAC’s BestLife program creates community and a path to holistic health. See page 10.
54 | The Wınged M |
DECEMBER 2020
