Personal Trainer Question of the Day: Joint Pain
Hey San Antonio,
Here is one of the most common questions I get about joint pain and supplementation that may reduce said pain.
Hey Boyd: I have lived with some degree of joint pain for most of my adult life. It’s not overwhelming, but it is there and sometimes I feel that it limits my workouts. Any advice from a supplemental standpoint?
First and foremost, I’m writing this response under the assumption that there are no underlying medical problems (muscle, ligament, tendon, joint damage, etc). Often, pain is caused by muscular or structural imbalances that requires corrective training therapy, in which I specialize in. There are many other dietary adjustments that can be made as well, and I focus on pain reduction through many of my nutritional strategies with clients.
Also, don’t underestimate a few minutes of warming up to get the body temperature up and the joints lubricated.
Now, onto your answer! There are a few scientifically proven means to reduce joint aches and pains. Glucosamine, Chrondroitin and MSM are the most popular supplements that reduce joint pain. Glucosamine repairs collagen protein (the protein that makes up tendons and ligaments). MSM and chrondroitin work by reducing inflammation and also increasing joint fluid. It does not work overnight, but it does work – I’d recommend consistently taking these (you can find many products that contain all three) for at least 30-45 days to feel relief. Also, there are several studies that also suggest that taking fish oil post-workout reduces inflammation in the muscles and joints.
One lesser known supplement that I often recommend is Cissus. Cissus contains vitamins, minerals, and plant sterol compounds that not only support healthy muscle and bones, but actually help deliver nutrients to tendons aiding in repair.
By all means, if you suffer from regular pain that limits range of motion, it is important to seek medical attention. Pain is your body’s way of saying “Something is wrong”.
Great question, thanks!
Don’t forget that Personal Trainer Gift Certificates are available for the holidays, so give the gift of body transformation and fat loss this holiday season. All packages include complete nutritional guidance, 24/7 access to your trainer to ask any question you may have during your program and complete directions on what to do when you’re not in the gym. We have gift certificates for any of our fitness program packages, so for more information, feel free to email me at boyd@the-personal-trainer.com or give me a call at 210.391.1454.
Make your week great!
Boyd Myers
Personal Trainer in San Antonio
Owner, San Antonio’s Top Personal Training Studio
16613 Huebner Rd (corner of Huebner and Bitters)
210.391.1454
