Basic measures may help to ease (or prevent) painful symptoms and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Below is some general self-help advice. A physiotherapist will be able to give you advice that is specific to your level of health and your condition or injury.
Exercise
In many situations, keeping active can help reduce pain and stiffness in your joints and speed up recovery. Therefore, taking regular exercise is important. However, ask your GP or physiotherapist for advice if you have not exercised for a while due to injury.
Posture
Maintaining good posture will help prevent aches and pains. Make sure your computer workstation and driving position are set up correctly for your height, and change positions regularly.
Your physiotherapist will be able to give you advice about carrying out tasks that are repetitive or strenuous. Activities such as yoga and Pilates (exercises that strengthen your core abdominal muscles) will help you to relax, become more aware of your body and improve your posture.
Weight
By keeping to a healthy weight for your height and build, you will avoid placing excess pressure on your joints. This will help prevent conditions such as osteoporosis (where the bones become thin and weak).
Seek help
Visit your GP or a physiotherapist as soon as possible if you are in severe pain or if you have a severe or persistent injury.
