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Celine Dion shares rare health update

<p>Celine Dion has shared a rare health update, and revealed that she is determined to get back onstage despite her battle with stiff person syndrome. </p> <p>The singer took to Instagram to share a photo of herself with son René-Charles Angélil, 23, and 13-year-old twins Eddy and Nelson. </p> <p>“Trying to overcome this auto-immune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible,” she shared on Friday. </p> <p>“I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!”</p> <p>She shared the post in honour of stiff person syndrome awareness day, which falls on the 15th of March. </p> <p>“I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS,” she continued in her post. </p> <p>“I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!” she concluded, signing off, “Love Celine xx.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4j2U_6OI-9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4j2U_6OI-9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Céline Dion (@celinedion)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Stiff Person Syndrome is an an extremely rare neurological disorder that affects the nervous system, mainly the brain and spinal cord. </p> <p>According to the US National Institutes of Health, this disorder can cause stiff muscles in the torso, arms and legs, significantly impeding mobility. </p> <p>The <em>My Heart Will Go On</em> singer first went <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/celine-dion-reveals-shock-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">public</a> with her diagnosis on the 8th of December in 2022, after she was forced to postpone some of her tour dates. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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Celine Dion shares powerful message of hope

<p>Celine Dion has shared a powerful statement about her health battle since being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome. </p> <p>The French-Canadian musician has chronicled her health journey in a new documentary titled <em>I Am: Celine Dion</em>, and took to Instagram to promote the new film. </p> <p>While sharing with her legion of fans how her health has progressed, she said she remains hopeful that she will one day return to the stage.</p> <p>In a lengthy post, she wrote, “This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me."</p> <p>"As the road to resuming my performing career continues, I have realised how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans."</p> <p>"During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis.” </p> <p>In December 2022, Celine announced that she would be taking some time away from performing  to focus on her health after revealing her stiff person syndrome diagnosis.</p> <p>At the time, she said the condition did not allow her “to sing the way I’m used to”.</p> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/clinical-trials/cause-development-and-progression-stiff-person-syndrome#:~:text=Stiff%2Dperson%20syndrome%20(SPS),recurrent%20falls%20and%20impaired%20ambulation." target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke</a>, stiff person syndrome is “a rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.”</p> <p>According to an official synopsis, <em>I Am: Celine Dion</em> will give viewers an intimate look inside her life “as she reveals her battle with stiff person syndrome (SPS) and the lengths she has gone to continue performing for her beloved and loyal fans”.</p> <p>Capturing over a year’s worth of Dion’s life, including “never-before-seen” private moments, the film will showcase the legendary singer navigating “her journey toward living an open and authentic life amidst illness”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Celine Dion's first public appearance in years since cruel diagnosis

<p>Celine Dion, the iconic Canadian singer, has recently made a triumphant return to the public eye after a few years of battling a rare neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome. This inspiring comeback took place as she attended a hockey game in Las Vegas, watching the match between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Montreal Canadiens alongside her sons, René-Charles, and twins, Eddy and Nelson.</p> <p>After the thrilling game, Dion made her way to the locker room, and her visit was captured in images and a reel shared by the Montreal Canadiens, the team she came to support.</p> <p>In the clip, the embattled singer appeared to be in high spirits as she interacted with players and coaches, expressing her delight at meeting them all.</p> <p>The Montreal Canadiens shared their excitement on social media in what was a heartwarming moment for both Dion and her fans – especially getting to witness her enthusiasm and resilience.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzFTVOwLPUP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzFTVOwLPUP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Canadiens de Montréal (@canadiensmtl)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Stiff Person Syndrome is an extremely rare neurological disorder that primarily affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, this condition manifests in symptoms such as extreme muscle stiffness, rigidity, and painful spasms in the trunk and limbs, significantly impeding mobility.</p> <p>Dion's battle with Stiff Person Syndrome forced her to postpone some tour dates, as the disorder was affecting her ability to sing the way she was accustomed to. In a video clip shared on social media, she addressed her fans and revealed her determination to overcome the challenges posed by this condition.</p> <p>"I'm working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again," she shared. "But I have to admit it's been a struggle." Dion's candour about her struggles and her unwavering commitment to her recovery have earned her even more admiration from her fans.</p> <p>Celine Dion's journey with Stiff Person Syndrome has been a testament to her strength and resilience. She has shown that even in the face of a rare and debilitating condition, she refuses to be defeated. Her determination to regain her ability to perform is a source of inspiration to all who face adversity in their lives.</p> <p>It's worth noting that Celine Dion has faced significant personal challenges in the past, most notably the loss of her husband, René Angélil, in 2016 to throat cancer. Despite these difficulties, she has continued to be a shining star in the world of music. Her return to the public eye, following her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, is a testament to her enduring spirit and the deep connection she has with her fans.</p> <p>As Celine Dion makes her way back into the spotlight, her fans around the world eagerly await her return to the stage, where her powerful voice and indomitable spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift us all. Her story serves as a reminder that with determination and a strong support system, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Celine Dion reveals shock diagnosis

<p dir="ltr">Céline Dion has revealed she has been diagnosed with a rare neurological condition and has cancelled her upcoming Courage world tour.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Canadian songstress shared the news during an emotional video on Instagram, informing fans that she has Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare disorder that affects the nervous symptom and causes extreme muscle stiffness and painful spasms.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome, which affects 1 in a million people,” Dion said in the clip.</p> <p dir="ltr">"While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what's been causing all of the spasms that I've been having.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-11b08fca-7fff-f409-f618-2c1eb0a389b3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">"Unfortunately these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I'm used to."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cl5xJY1AjAO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cl5xJY1AjAO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Céline Dion (@celinedion)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">According to the <a href="https://stiffperson.org/sps-101/treatments-for-sps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation</a>, SPS affects between 1-2 in one million people and is more common in women than men.</p> <p dir="ltr">While there is no cure for SPS currently, the symptoms can be treated with medication and therapies.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>My Heart Will Go On</em> singer said she would be unable to restart her world tour in Europe next February, when she was due to tour in Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Croatia, and the UK.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said eight tour dates would be cancelled and rescheduled to 2024.</p> <p dir="ltr">The news comes after the five-time Grammy winner cancelled the North American leg of her tour earlier this year.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the video, Dion thanked fans for their well-wishes and her children for their support, telling fans she was working with medical therapists to build her strength and ability to perform again.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I always give 100 percent when I do my shows, my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now," the 54-year-old said. </p> <p dir="ltr">"For me to reach you again I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment and I have hope that I'm on the road to recovery.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is my focus and I’m doing everything I can to recuperate."</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-58aa65bb-7fff-1527-64d0-6d77b30219e8"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Why your muscles stiffen as you age

<p><strong><em>Andrew Lavender is a lecturer at the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science at Curtin University. </em></strong></p> <p>Many older people find they’re not able to move as freely as they did when they were younger. They describe their movements as feeling stiff or restricted. In particular, feeling stiff when getting out of bed first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long period. The feeling does eventually ease with movement as the muscles “warm up”, but it can be troublesome. There are a few reasons this happens.</p> <p>As we age, bones, joints and muscles tend to become weak. Movements feeling stiff is often our perception of the increased effort required to perform daily tasks.</p> <p>Many older people have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3424705/">ageing-associated conditions</a> that can contribute to muscle stiffness. These include osteoarthritis (breaking down of the cartilage in joints), osteomalacia (a softening of the bones due to a lack of vitamin D), osteoporosis (where bone mass is reduced causing bones to become brittle), rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the joints, and muscle weakness due to sarcopenia (the natural loss of muscle mass and strength).</p> <p>Blood flow may also play a part. As we age, our arteries <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738364/">become stiffer and less flexible</a>, meaning blood can easily pool, particularly in the feet.</p> <p>When we get up after sitting or lying down for a long period of time, the stiffness may be due to a lack of the lubricating fluid in the joints. Once we move around for a while and warm up, more of the lubricating fluid, called synovial fluid, is moved into the joint, so the joint surfaces have less resistance to movement and can move more freely.</p> <p>Normal healthy ageing results in a <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/1529-0131(200111)44:11%3C2556::AID-ART436%3E3.0.CO;2-U">loss of joint cartilage</a>, particularly of the knee. This cartilage provides a smooth articulating surface between bones at the joint that wears down, becoming thinner and providing less cushioning between the articulating surfaces. This may account for stiffness felt during movement.</p> <p>Another contributing factor is the change in ligaments, tendons and muscles that are relatively relaxed and flexible when we are young. These lose that flexibility with ageing and disuse. In fact, many of the age-related changes in muscles, bones and joints are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4041600/">the result of disuse</a>.</p> <p><strong>Move it or lose it</strong></p> <p>As we get older, we tend to become less physically active. While that’s understandable and reasonable, reducing the amount we exercise too much or stopping exercise altogether can exacerbate these age-related changes. Muscles need to be stimulated by physical activity in order to maintain strength and mass.</p> <p>Bones also need stimulation through loading to keep their density. Joints too need stimulation from movement to keep that feeling of stiffness to a minimum. And aside from our muscles and joints, the heart, lungs and circulatory system also need to be stimulated by exercise to maintain their ability to function optimally.</p> <p>While there are many factors that contribute to this common feeling of restricted movement or stiffness, the most important action we can take is to move more. This can be achieved through a number of measures.</p> <p>Becoming involved with a formal exercise or sports club is a great way to ensure you continue to exercise regularly. Teaming up with a friend to meet for exercise which could include aerobic activities such as running, swimming or walking is another good way to make sure you get some exercise.</p> <p>Resistance training is also important for muscles and bones. Moving the limbs through the entire range of motion of the joints is important for maintaining the ability to move freely and keep the muscles, tendons and ligaments healthy.</p> <p>There’s a lot of truth to the old adage “move it or lose it”: if we don’t keep moving, we lose our ability to do so. Exercise can be fun and finding something enjoyable will help you to stick to it. The social interactions that come with exercising, particularly in groups or clubs, is an added advantage which also has mental health benefits.</p> <p><em>Written by Andrew Lavender. Republished with permission of <strong><a href="https://theconversation.com/">The Conversation.</a></strong> </em></p> <p><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/101808/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p>

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Why do my muscles feel so stiff?

<p class="gmail-p2"><em><strong>Tracy Adshead is a yoga teacher specialising in yoga for seniors. She is passionate about bringing healing and healthy ageing to the community.</strong></em></p> <p class="gmail-p3">Do you ever feel stiff when standing up from your seat? Do normally easy actions now produce aches and pains? Tightness and stiffness aren’t just due to ageing – that’s only part of the story. Compression, dehydration and inactivity can trigger what’s know as adhesion. For instance, when fibrous connective tissue becomes dehydrated, the fascial layers that are supposed to glide smoothly start to stick and drag. What this means for your muscles is that the muscles strands get stuck together and hey presto – you feel tight.</p> <p class="gmail-p1">A daily walk doesn’t demand that these muscle groups separate very much – that’s why a gentle daily yoga practice is so beneficial. Long periods of sitting day after day with only minimal walking breaks for exercise will lead to the fascial layers getting stuck together. When you finally experiment with a forward bend or hamstring stretch, the muscles feel tight and not very responsive to stretch. </p> <p class="gmail-p1">While being able to do the splits is not especially useful, being able to reach down to tie your shoelaces certainly is. So what can we do?</p> <p class="gmail-p1">1. Make sure you drink eight glasses (eight ounces) of water a day. When your body doesn’t get enough water through the day it starts to draw on other sources like the skin and internal organs. </p> <p class="gmail-p1">2. Try to incorporate gentle stretching into your day every day and get those muscle strands moving. You can join me on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYuCGT42uV6lFZ-TCqr11g" target="_blank">YouTube</a></strong></span> or find a local class. The University of Arizona has proven that a low intensity stretch held for at least three minutes but often as long as 5 minutes, causes a release of cellular messengers that improve the body’s flexibility. </p> <p class="gmail-p1">Here’s an example of a yoga posture that’s low intensity, very good for the spine, chest and shoulders:</p> <p class="gmail-p3"><span><img width="348" height="261" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40044/tracy-adshead-2-in-text-photo_348x261.jpg" alt="Tracy Adshead 2 In Text Photo" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></span></p> <p class="gmail-p3"><em>Follow Tracy on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TracyChairYoga/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></strong></a>. </em></p>

Body

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Top 10 tips to reduce joint pain and stiffness

<p><em><strong>Brad McIntosh, Physiotherapist at <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.sydneyphysiosolutions.com.au/" target="_blank">Sydney Physio Solutions</a></span> shares his top tips for reducing joint pain and stiffness.</strong></em></p> <p>For most of us doing cartwheels and jumping rope are now just fond memories of a time when our bodies didn’t ache and creak with every step. However, joint pain, stiffness and a loss of mobility doesn’t have to be synonymous with growing older. Here are ten tips for reducing joint pain, stiffness, and increasing mobility.</p> <p><strong>1. Use it or lose it, baby</strong></p> <p>Half of all age-related changes to our muscles, bones and joints occur because they’re not being used. Lack of physical activity actually increases joint pain and stiffness. Exercise has been proven to maintain bone strength and joint flexibility, as well as strengthen muscles around joints.</p> <p><strong>2. Drop a few</strong></p> <p>Extra body weight can put more pressure on joints, particularly knees, hips and feet. Losing weight can reduce the stress on your joints, as well as increase mobility, minimise pain, and also prevent further damage to your joints.</p> <p><strong>3. Hot and cold</strong></p> <p>Start your morning with a long, hot shower or bath to increase blood circulation and loosen joints. For quick pain relief, apply a cold pack to the painful joints and reduce swelling.</p> <p><strong>4. Supplements</strong></p> <p>Supplements such as Blackmores <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.blackmores.com.au/products/glucosamine-1000" target="_blank">Glucosamine Sulfate Complex 1000</a></strong></span> may relieve joint pain, increase joint mobility, and reduce joint stiffness, caused by osteoarthritis.</p> <p><strong>5. Spice up your life</strong></p> <p>Turmeric, while also a staple in Indian recipes, contains a chemical called curcumin with anti-inflammatory properties, and may be able to reduce pain caused by arthritis.</p> <p><strong>6. Gone fishing</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.blackmores.com.au/products/odourless-fish-oil-mini-caps" target="_blank">Omega-3</a></strong></span> fatty acids found in fish, such as salmon, may help reduce joint pain and stiffness. </p> <p><strong>7. Say OM</strong></p> <p>Meditation and other relaxation activities and techniques can help reduce stress and, in turn, may help reduce pain from arthritis. Meditation can also help you better cope with joint pain. </p> <p><strong>8. Stick with tradition</strong></p> <p>Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical treatment that has been practiced for centuries, and is thought to reduce the pain of arthritis. If you’re brave enough to undergo this needle-treatment, be sure to go with an experienced and recommended acupuncturist!</p> <p><strong>9. Just keep swimming</strong></p> <p>Low impact exercise, such as swimming and water aerobics, is a fantastic way to stay active without adding weight and pressure to sore joints.</p> <p><strong>10. Stretch it out</strong></p> <p>Stretching is a fantastic way to help maintain joint flexibility. Try to practice balance and coordination stretches as this can also help to reduce the risk of falls.</p> <p>Would you add anything else on the list that has worked for you? Share your advice in the comments below. </p>

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Gentle yoga moves you can do in bed

<p><em><strong>Tracy Adshead, 54, is a yoga teacher specialising in yoga for seniors. Passionate about bringing healing and healthy ageing to the community, here she shares four simple moves to combat stiff muscles and joints you can do in the comfort of your own bed. </strong></em></p> <p>“I feel so much better!” is a common exclamation from many of my clients at the end of a chair yoga class but it’s usually followed by “tomorrow morning I’ll be stiff as a board”.  I’m often asked what yoga postures would be good to do in the morning to help with stiff joints and muscles – but I can go one better!  Here are some simple yoga postures to do in bed before you get up:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Leg lock</strong> – Draw your right knee up towards your chest, gently hold the knee here (don’t pull on it) and use the exhalation to consciously relax your left hip. Hold for 3 – 5 deep breaths. Repeat on the left leg.</li> <li><strong>Hip rotations</strong> – Drawing the right knee towards your chest again, place your right hand onto your knee and then begin to guide your right knee around in a circle. This will cause the hip joint to rotate. Move 5 – 7 times in a clockwise direction and then reverse the movement in an anti-clockwise direction 5 – 7 times. Repeat on the left leg.</li> <li><strong>Lower back</strong> – You can bring some gentle relief to your lower back by drawing both knees up into your chest, place one hand on each knee and then guide both knees around in a circle, do this as long as you like before reversing the movement. This will gently massage your lower back.</li> <li><strong>The whole body</strong> – Use the good old morning stretch! Take your arms over head as you inhale and press out through the heels, stretch the whole body. Exhale; release the arms down by your side. Repeat this 3 – 5 times before getting up. You’ll take in more oxygen and open up your lungs.</li> </ol> <p>You may be asking yourself this: What exactly is happening in the body with yoga that helps us to feel better? <br /> Yoga helps to attract synovial fluid into the joints, which is how your body hydrates the joints. It’s a clear slightly viscous fluid that delivers nutrients and oxygen.</p> <p>Keep all yoga movements gentle and relaxing, if you experience any discomfort or pain while doing these movements please see your doctor.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/older-generation-better-at-learning/">Older generations better at learning than everyone else</a></em></strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2015/12/ways-to-make-today-great/">10 sure-fire ways to make today a great day</a></em></strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2015/12/positive-thinking-and-mental-health/">Can positive thinking improve your mental health?</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/6-details-fine-print-plane-tickets/"> </a></em></strong></span></p>

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