Exercise with confidence this summer and beyond: A physiotherapist's joint care tips

Outdoor exercise is a great way to keep active while making the most of the fresh air, improving your fitness and releasing the hormones called ‘endorphins’ that help to relieve stress (Salmon 2001), increase self-esteem and boost energy (Ekkekakis et al. 2000). While the longer and (hopefully!) sunnier days are with us, there’s more reason than ever to dust off your trainers and get moving.

However, many of those inspired to take up exercise may be hesitant due to concerns regarding the impact on their joints.Over time, the ‘wear and tear’ of joints can cause inflammation and accelerate the deterioration of cartilage inside the joint. In fact, a third of adults over the age of 45 have sought treatment for osteoarthritis, a painful condition caused by the breakdown of protective joint cartilage over time (Arthritis Research UK 2013).