Feelings of stiffness
Please remember the advice we give is general and not meant to be used as a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you want specific advice then please seek help from your doctor or local physio.
What is stiffness?
You’ll be pleased to know that feeling stiff doesn’t necessarily equate to structural changes like shortened muscles and restricted joints. Stiffness is an experience — like pain — and the two are often felt together. Both sensations are often driven by an overprotective nervous system.
How to deal with feeling stiff
The short answer: MOVE!
We suggest:
- Breaking up time spent in prolonged positions — like sitting at a desk — by moving in some way e.g. a short walk, a few squats etc
- Physical activity — in the form of cardiovascular exercise or strength training
- Stretching (if it reduces your symptoms) — you don’t have to stretch, and stretching doesn't "treat" tightness any better than other types of movement. But if it helps you; go for it!
Strength training can improve range of motion and flexibility with the added benefits of increasing your strength, muscle mass and bone density. You may feel stiff when you start an exercise, but persisting with tolerable movement often leads to an easing of stiffness.
Watch this video to learn more:
Summary
Getting moving is one of the best ways to combat feeling stiff. Move in whatever way you enjoy!