4 Ways To Reduce Your Chance Of Pain

As Over 85% Of Brits Say They’ve Experienced Some Kind Of Muscle Or Joint Pain, Experts Share The Simple Ways To Stay Active Without The Aches, Sprains And Strains

Regular exercise and generally staying active has been shown countless times to help reduce the chances of several chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease. So it’s important we move often and get our heart rates up. 

However, new research by Puressentiel –uk.puressentiel.com – the brains behind the evidence backed plant-based health products for everyday wellness needs, has found that four in ten (37%) Brits don’t actually think they are active enough with 40% admitting that they sometimes feel like they spend too much time sitting down. What’s more, many Brits are fitting zero movement into their day as one in 20 (five percent) are not active at all during weekdays.

But why? A quarter (24%) put it down to an injury. In fact, according to the Puressentiel data just 75% of those polled say they suffer from muscle and/or joint pain. In fact, over half (55%) of the respondents noted that they suffer from muscle aches and pains; 48% experience joint aches and pains and 28% have had to deal with painful pulled muscles. 

Natural health specialist and researcher from the Puressentiel expert hub, Dr Tim Bond says: “These stats are scary, particularly as movement is so vital for a healthy life. Removing the risk of injury could help to increase activity levels, particularly as 85% of people say they suffer from or have suffered from some sort of muscle and joint pain, which can really get in the way of comfortable movement.”

According to the Puressentiel data, 42% of Brits cite lower back pain as the most common niggling pain, 20% say leg pain, while 18% say shoulder pain niggles them the most. 

But, with the past few months dominated by sport including the Olympics – there’s no time like now to get moving and increase your activity levels, especially if a sporting event has inspired you. The Puressentiel research has found that 51% of respondents say they feel happy after exercise and 35% admit to having more energy, so it’s clear that movement has a positive effect on wellbeing. 

Personal trainer, Lucy Gornall says: “It’s not just inspiring watching sports stars in action; their rigorous training regimes in the build up to sporting events is incredible. Plus, these sports stars place huge importance on their recovery to ensure that they stay fit and well, without pain or injury.”

Luckily there are several ways to help reduce injury flare-ups, muscle aches and joint pains from getting in the way of an active lifestyle…

4 Ways To Reduce Pain 

#1. Stretch, Daily

Only 21% of Brits say that they usually incorporate stretches into their daily routine with 38% saying that they don’t do them at all! But Lucy Gornall says: “Stretching is vital, to keep muscles flexible and to help maintain the proper range of motion in the joints. Even 10 minutes in the morning will really make a difference. You should also stretch before and after exercise, to prepare the muscles and joints for the movement they’re about to do and stop them from tightening after exercise.”

Also a must for pre and post exercise is the NEW Puressentiel Muscle & Joint 100% Organic Sport Massage Oil. Borne out of nature, the sports science brains at Puressentiel have bottled up SEVEN Essential oils including Arnica and Wintergreen to help muscles and joints prepare and recover when exercising. As a result, the NEW Puressentiel Muscle & Joint 100% Organic Sport Massage Oil:

Has Proven Efficacy: 

Proven effectiveness demonstrated in studies for pre, during and sports recovery in amateur football players 

• Helps with the preparation and recovery of sensitive and/or strained muscles & joints
• Helps soothe sensitive areas
• Formula compliant with anti-doping formula
• Free from: preservatives, parabens, synthetic fragrances, coloring and mineral oils 

Is Natural:

• 100% Organic Formula, 100% Natural origin with Arnica and Wintergreen 
• 7 Essential Oils (HEBBD) 100% Pure & Natural: Lemon Eucalyptus, Wintergreen, Juniper,  

• Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary campor combined with healing benefits of 4 organic plant 

oils. Arnica, Chili Pepper, Meadowsweet & Sesame.

Practical To Use:

• IDEAL FOR ACTIVE PEOPLE: before exercise to “warm up” and prepare the areas prone to tension, and after exercise to massage, relax and prevent tension.
• Non-greasy and penetrating texture
• Does not stain

#2. Add Resistance 

Interestingly, of the one in three Brits who have been advised by a healthcare professional to increase their activity levels, 22% of Brits have been advised to increase their activity levels in order to strengthen their muscles and joints.  Strong muscles support and protect joints, helping to avoid injuries.

Lucy Gornall adds: “Resistance training is essentially exercising that forces muscles to contract against an external resistance; this could be your own body weight, or you can add weights such as dumbbells. Aim to include two resistance-based sessions a week into your routine.”

#3. Hot, Hot, Hot

Explaining the benefits of thermotherapy, Dr Tim Bond explains: “Thermotherapy boosts blood flow and helps to deliver nutrients to a particular area of the body, such as a painful muscle or joint. Puressentiel’ s muscle and joint range now contains a variety of natural health products to choose from including those based on thermotherapy. Here’s a fast summary: 

• Puressentiel Muscles & Joints Pure Heat Roll-On helps to relieve stiffness and tension by providing an immediate and long-lasting warm sensation. Dr Tim Bond explains: “This is the ideal self-massage tool to relieve localised areas such as the neck, shoulders, knees and calves. It’s ideal during the day or after exercise.” Plus, the formula is 97.6% natural containing a phyto-aromatic blend of 14 essential oils and two plant extracts, Arnica and Harpagophytum. 
• Puressentiel Muscles & Joints Heating Patches, with 14 essential oils including eucalyptus, juniper and peppermint, help to relax and soothe muscle tension. The patches provide a feeling of warmth for eight hours, promoting relaxation of the muscles. “As well as athletes, these patches are great for sedentary people or those suffering from pains such as stiffness, backache and aches. Plus, research has proven the effectiveness of these patches in 76% of cases,” says Dr Tim Bond. 
• The Puressentiel Muscles & Joints Pure Heat Gel, made with 14 essential oils and two plant extracts, also provides a warm sensation, helping to relieve stiffness and tension in large areas such as the thighs and back with a heating effect that lasts up to two hours.

#4. Try cryo 

Lucy Gornall says: “If you’re suffering from a sprain or strain, then applying cold can help to reduce any swelling, whilst also helping to alleviate pain.” For self-massage alongside a cold sensation, try Puressentiel Muscles & Joints Cryo Pure Roll-on.  The massage roller ball delivers a relaxing massage which – together with the 14 relaxing essential oils, provides long lasting relief for sensitive areas. Dr Tim Bond says: “This is great to throw in your bag or gym bag as it’s small and compact and easy to apply.”