By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
Lake Resident and Physical Therapist Joan Clark spoke at the monthly Hygeia wellness program at Lake Monticello on Saturday (Feb. 22). Her discussion focused on feeling better and decreasing joint pain with natural remedies, including hydration, supplements, and movement.
As a physical therapist for 37 years, Clark has worked with a variety of patients, including those with orthopedic issues, and with amputees, and the elderly. She began by explaining how things are connected and work and how, over time, they can break down.
“Hydration is important for our bodies and mostly the muscles to keep them lubricated,” she said. The core of her message was to keep everything strengthened and flowing, such as synovial fluid around the joints and keeping muscles strong to protect the joints. Cartilage also plays an important role and when there is no cartilage, stenosis occurs.
“Staying hydrated is important, but how do we know if we are hydrated?” She demonstrated the pinch test, by pinching the skin and if it bounces right back to its normal form, one is hydrated. If it doesn’t then one could be dehydrated. “Urine color is a good indicator of dehydration, dizziness, joint pain, being tired and cranky are also indicators,” she added.
Breathing coupled with hydration helps body fluids move and protect joints. Breathing is essential in all movements from aerobics, and Pilates, to yoga. The audience learned proper breathing techniques not only to help them to relax the body but to give it the appropriate amount of oxygen.
Movement is key. She discussed tai chi, an ancient 3,000-year-old Chinese martial art that involves gentle movements, meditation, and breathing. It’s often practiced as an exercise to improve health and well-being.
“The benefits of tai chi can help improve balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination. It can also help with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain, and prevent falls in older adults,” she said. She added that it can also improve mental health, helping with stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help with mood, memory, focus, and sleep.
Tai chi is a low-impact exercise practiced through a series of slow, flowing movements, requiring full-body integration of movement while focusing on deep slow breaths.
She demonstrated some Tai Chi moves and breathing techniques for the audience.
Lastly, she discussed supplements and foods that can help decrease inflammation, including bromelain, Sam-E, turmeric, and cinnamon.
For more information about the Hygeia monthly wellness programs, contact Cynthia Moore at cynhygeia145@gmail.com.
