Try These Yoga Poses to Help Your Joints

Houston Physicians’ Hospital understands that joint pain can be frustrating. From aching knees to a stiff back, joint pain can hinder movement and cause difficulty when performing everyday tasks. Those suffering from joint pain may find yoga to be a relaxing and helpful way to ease the pain. Here, we’ve listed some of the top yoga poses to reduce joint pain and help you get back to your daily life:

 

Sun Salutations

A particularly beneficial pose to do in the morning, sun salutations stretch the spine and can help wake up your muscles. To perform this move, stand with both of your feet touching as you bring your hands together, palms touching. Raise both arms upward as you exhale and slowly bend backward while stretching your arms above your head.

 

Cow Pose

While the name may sound funny, the cow pose is beneficial to reducing tension felt in the joints. The pose is simple to master. Get on all fours with your hands shoulder-width apart. Keep your hands directly under your shoulders and your fingers widely spread. The knees should be aligned right under your hips. Bring your chest forward and up as you allow your shoulder blades to press down toward your waist. Tip your pelvis up and back.

 

Bridge Pose

Bridges are particularly helpful in improving posture, which can reduce pain in the back and shoulders. Lie on the floor with your feet firmly planted and your knees facing towards the ceiling. As you exhale, push your feet and arms firmly into the floor. Raise your tailbone until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Keep your knees directly over your heels during this move.

 

Crescent Lunge

The crescent lunge pose is a great pose for those suffering pain in the hip joints. Start by positioning yourself in a standard lunge position. Drop your right knee to the floor and lengthen your tailbone in the same direction as your right heel. Slide your right knee forward and breathe deeply as you lift and stretch your arms.

 

Child’s Pose

Those suffering from more severe joint pain may find this pose beneficial, as it provides a really gentle stretch. Begin this pose by dropping to your knees and spreading them wide enough for your big toes to touch.  Position your hips so that they are resting on top of your heels. Stretch your arms forward onto the ground.

 

Downward-Facing Dog

This popular position helps improve flexibility and reduce joint pain by stretching and lengthening the spine. To begin, position yourself on all fours with your knees directly below your hips. Place your hands just slightly in front of your shoulders.  Exhale as you push your knees away from the floor. Lengthen your tailbone away from the back of your pelvis and press it gently toward the upper part of your hips. Lift the sitting bones upward and draw the inner legs up into the groin area, away from your ankles.

 

Many people suffering from joint pain have turned to yoga to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce the aching feeling in their joints. However, some cases require more care than yoga alone. If you are suffering from chronic joint pain, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at (281) 557-5620.

Practice These 5 Healthy Tips and You’ll Thank Us Later

Some people dread the word “healthy.” Being healthy shouldn’t be a chore, but more of a lifestyle. A healthy life starts with small choices. From your diet to your sleep schedule, it’s easy to be healthy. You are not alone because we’re all human. Everyone has a rest day and there is nothing wrong with treating yourself occasionally. So, start practicing these five healthy tips and you’ll thank us later…

  1. Drink more water
  2. Eat less sugar
  3. Cook at home
  4. Get 30 minutes of exercise
  5. Remember to relax

 

Drink More Water

Probably one of the simplest things you can do to start being healthier is drink water. Water will always hydrate you. Especially if you are an athlete or live in a warmer area, you need plenty of water. Water saves our bodies from cramps and heat stroke while flushing out impurities. Even some fruits and vegetables count toward your water intake, like cucumber and watermelon. Drink more water to start living healthier.

 

Eat Less Sugar

Drinks like tea are hydrating as well, but when you add sugar they are not as beneficial. Artificial sugars have little nutritional value. Over time, consuming large amounts of sugar increases your blood pressure and chances of heart disease. If you have a sweet tooth, try replacing cookies and snack cakes with fruit. The natural sugar found in fruit is fine and remember, fruit is also hydrating.

 

Cook at Home

Living healthy is all about taking control of your diet, sleep, and physical activity. Start taking control of what you eat by cooking at home. When you go out to eat or pick up fast food, there is no telling what exactly goes into your meal. When you cook at home, you use your own ingredients and control the portions. You can also customize your homemade dish by adding your favorite spices or toppings. There are always trending recipes or cookbooks available online.

 

Get 30 Minutes of Exercise

Our bodies want to be active. So, we recommend getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. The great thing is that you can get those 30 minutes done by doing your favorite activities. In the summer, go swimming for 30 minutes or in the winter, try a yoga class. Do what makes you happy and healthy. Regular exercise is good for your mental health, heart and body weight. If you have time to exercise more than 30 minutes, that’s even better.

 

Remember to Relax

Emotional stress causes physical stress too. Certain conditions like chronic pain syndrome or fibromyalgia are onset by stress and anxiety. So, learn to relax. Exercise is an excellent way to relieve stress while staying healthy. If you feel like your stress may be getting worse, talk to your doctor. Your physician can help you relax while treating any physical pain you may have. Another part of being healthy is recognizing when you need help.

 

Ask for Help

There are endless resources for starting a healthy life. Houston Physicians’ Hospital is proud to serve Houston, Webster, Friendswood, Pasadena and the surrounding areas with healthy tips. We are one of the leading hospitals in Texas and the entire country for patient care and satisfaction. Contact HPH if you have questions about living healthier or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.