At the end of a long day, feeling a little sore is somewhat normal. This is especially true if you work a job that is very physically demanding. Most of us are pushing our bodies for somewhere between 12 – 16 hours, taking care of our families, pets, our work issues, and our homes—who wouldn’t feel a bit sore, right? But if you’re still feeling this soreness in the morning, it’s a whole different ball game.
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. Unfortunately, this means that you are likely to face the entire day feeling sluggish, tired, and ready for bed. It’s a never-ending cycle.
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 put together a shortlist including things you can do in the mornings to help ease those nagging aches and pains.
5 ways to stop morning pain in its tracks
1. Give physical therapy a try.
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 your physical therapist. Physical therapy can provide you with the tools and strategies you need to feel more comfortable from the first second you get out of bed in the morning to the moment you close your eyes at night.
2. Stay hydrated.
You’d be amazed at what proper hydration can do for the body. When you are dehydrated, your body can’t function properly. Water helps to lubricate your 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 any caffeine! You’ll be glad you did by lunchtime.
3. Take a warm bath before going to sleep.
Hot and cold therapy is a commonly recommended form of physical therapy and can be helpful with improving sleep patterns and reducing stress. Soaking in a warm tub can really help to alleviate the aches and pains. 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 might even reduce some of those common aches and pains.
4. Try some morning stretches on for size.
Have you ever tried yoga? A morning yoga routine can go a long way in helping you to stretch out those aches and pains! Yoga is a great form of exercise for the morning. 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. You can also look into joining a local yoga class in your area and adding it to your daily routine.
5. Eat a good breakfast.
Chances are if you’re feeling awful in the morning, it’s because you’re running on nothing. Your stomach is empty, and your body needs fuel to keep moving. Many people don’t like eating a large breakfast, and that’s fine. Even eating something as An egg or yogurt with whole-grain toast can help ease stiffness and aches.
Contact our clinic today for more information
If you are experiencing discomfort regularly in the morning, it may be worth your while to assess your sleeping posture, mattress, and bedding arrangements. If you are experiencing discomfort regularly in the morning, An old mattress, an uncomfortable pillow, or a stressful sleeping situation 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.
Waking up with aches and pains is no fun at all. For more guidance on dealing with morning aches and pains, contact Care360 Physical Therapy today. Our skilled and knowledgeable staff of physical therapists can help you learn more ways to improve your overall health and the way you feel in the mornings!
