Motion is Lotion: Why Movement Keeps Your Joints and Muscles Happy
Have you ever heard the phrase, "motion is lotion"? It’s a simple yet powerful way to explain why movement is essential for keeping your body feeling fluid, mobile, and pain-free. Let’s break it down and explore why staying active is one of the best things you can do for your joints and soft tissues.
Synovial Fluid: Nature’s Lubricant
Your joints are surrounded by synovial fluid — a slippery, viscous substance that reduces friction between cartilage surfaces. When you move, your body produces and circulates this fluid, nourishing the cartilage and ensuring smooth, pain-free motion. Without regular movement, this fluid can become stagnant, leading to stiffness and discomfort.
Think of your joints like a door hinge. Without regular use, the hinge can rust and stick. But with gentle, consistent motion, the hinge stays well-oiled and functions effortlessly.
Soft Tissue: The Glide and Slide System
Beneath your skin, your muscles and fascia (connective tissue) need to slide and glide over each other for your body to move efficiently. Fascia, in particular, is a web-like structure that encases your muscles, providing support and transmitting forces throughout your body.
When you move, you stimulate the ground substance within your fascia — a gel-like matrix that hydrates and allows tissues to glide past one another. Lack of movement can cause this substance to become sticky and dehydrated, leading to adhesions, reduced range of motion, and even pain.
Why Regular Movement Matters
Engaging in regular, varied movements:
Boosts Circulation: Enhances blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Prevents Stiffness: Keeps joints lubricated and tissues hydrated.
Promotes Healing: Helps flush out waste products and reduces inflammation.
Supports Longevity: Maintains flexibility, strength, and overall function as you age.
How to Keep Things Moving
You don’t need to be a high-performance athlete to reap the benefits of movement. Incorporating simple, daily activities can make a significant difference:
Stretching and Mobility Work: Gentle stretches and mobility drills keep tissues supple. (e.g. CARS)
Walking or Swimming: Low-impact exercises promote joint health without excessive strain.
Massage and Bodywork: Techniques like myofascial release can help free up restricted tissues and enhance mobility.
Mindful Practices: Yoga and Thai massage blend movement with breath, encouraging both relaxation and fluidity.
Final Thoughts
Your body is designed to move, and movement truly is medicine. By keeping your joints and soft tissues active, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to function at its best — reducing pain, enhancing performance, and improving overall well-being.
So, whether you’re hitting the gym, taking a walk, or simply stretching at home, remember: motion is lotion. Keep moving, and your body will thank you for it!
