Do Aches and Pains Make You Dread Mornings? Physical Therapy Has Got You Covered!
Waking up sore and achy can really zap the energy and positivity out of your day. The worst part is that if you don’t address that achiness and soreness first thing, then those feelings are likely to very quickly translate themselves into fatigue, meaning that you are likely to face the entire day feeling sluggish and ready for bed.
At the end of a long day, feeling a little sore is somewhat normal. After all, you’ve been pushing your body for somewhere between 12 – 16 hours, taking care of your family, your pets, your office concerns, and your home—who wouldn’t feel a bit sore, right? But in the morning, that soreness is a whole different experience and can sometimes make you lose your will to even get up out of bed to start your day!
The best thing to do when you wake up feeling sore and achy is to take matters into your own hands right from the start. We’ve put together a list of four ways you can begin to prevent and fight back against nagging aches at the beginning of your day!
4 ways to conquer morning aches and pains once and for all!
1. Consider starting physical therapy. Physical therapists are trained movement specialists. If you are experiencing aches and pains from the moment you wake up in the morning, then it may be time to have those aches and pains assessed by a physical therapist who knows what to look for when it comes to limitations with your movement. Physical therapy can provide you with the tools and strategies you need to feel more comfortable morning to night.
You’d be surprised at what a little bit of exercise and education can do for your overall health. Be sure to talk to your therapist about the areas you’re experiencing pain in so that they can properly assess your condition and create the best possible course of action for treatment!
2. Stay hydrated. You’d be amazed at what a bit of proper hydration can do for your body and overall health. We don’t think about it, but when you are dehydrated, your body is working from behind! Not only does being dehydrated affect your mood and ability to focus, but it can also make it uncomfortable for certain joints and muscles to move like they normally would.
Water helps to lubricate the joints and energize your muscles. Waking up dehydrated and going directly for that cup of coffee is only going to leave you feeling achier and more dehydrated. Try adding a large glass of ice water to your morning routine, prior to that cup of caffeine, and see how much better you feel come lunchtime.
3. Try a warm bath or shower before bed. Most of us enjoy soothing baths for the sake of pampering ourselves, but baths can also be therapeutic for aches and pains. Soaking in a warm tub can really help to alleviate stress and tension in your muscles and joints. Hot and cold therapy is a commonly recommended form of physical therapy, and can be helpful with improving sleep patterns and reducing stress. If you don’t have time in the morning for a warm bath, consider adding this to your evening routine. Cutting out a bit of TV time and adding a bit of relaxation with warm water can help you to sleep more soundly and may reduce some of those common aches and pains. The more often you do this for yourself, the less it’ll feel like a way to relieve pain, and the more it’ll just become a regular part of your relaxation routine.
4. Try stretching in the morning. Yoga is a great form of exercise, but especially in the morning! A morning yoga routine can go a long way in helping you to stretch out those aches and pains. Stretching your muscles and easing those sore joints before heading to work can give you a bit more energy and help you to feel a bit more comfortable at your desk all day. There are plenty of ways to get started with a morning stretching routine. Yoga routines are easily found online, and you can ask your physical therapist for guidance as to the best stretches for your exact source of pain.
Are you ready to be a morning person again?
Waking up with aches and pains is no fun for anyone. If you are experiencing discomfort regularly in the morning, it may be worth your while to assess your sleeping posture and arrangements. An old mattress, an uncomfortable pillow, or a stressful sleeping arrangement can cause pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.
Making slight modifications to your evening and nighttime routine may help you feel better in the morning. For more guidance on dealing with morning aches and pains, contact our office!