Staying active with MSK conditions: Your guide to staying active safely

When you’re living with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition, the thought of exercise might seem daunting or even counterintuitive. You might worry about causing more pain or damaging your joints. However, staying active is one of the most important things you can do to manage your condition and improve your overall health and wellbeing. In fact, regular, appropriate movement can help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and boost your mood. The key is knowing how to move safely and effectively – and that’s where our MSK ActiveWell programme comes in.

The benefits of exercise for MSK conditions

Before we dive into how to move and exercise safely, let’s look at why it’s so important:

  1. Pain reduction: Regular exercise can help reduce pain over time by strengthening muscles and improving joint function
  2. Improved flexibility and range of motion: Gentle stretching and movement can help maintain and even improve your flexibility
  3. Stronger muscles: Strengthening exercises can help support your joints and improve stability
  4. Better balance: Many exercises can improve your balance, reducing the risk of falls
  5. Weight management: Exercise, combined with a healthy diet, can help you maintain a healthy weight, reducing stress on your joints
  6. Improved mood and sleep: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and help you sleep better
  7. Enhanced overall health: Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, boost your immune system, and reduce the risk of other health conditions

Safe exercise strategies for MSK conditions

Now that we understand the benefits, let’s look at how to exercise safely:

  1. Start slow and build gradually: Begin with gentle exercises and slowly increase the duration and intensity as your fitness improves.
  2. Listen to your body: Some discomfort during exercise is normal, but sharp or severe pain is a sign to stop.
  3. Choose low-impact activities: Options like swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine are gentler on your joints.
  4. Warm up and cool down: Always start with a gentle warm-up and end with a cool-down to prepare your body and prevent injury.
  5. Focus on flexibility and strength: Combine stretching exercises with strength training to support your joints.
  6. Use proper form: Ensure you’re using the correct technique to avoid injury. If you’re unsure, seek guidance from a professional.
  7. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.

Winning combination

MSK ActiveWell’s combination of the 1-2-1 initial chat and assessment, with our health and wellbeing practitioner, and then individually tailored movement sessions from our popular qualified tutor Jude is a real winner. Every session is carefully designed to what you can do, and without pain, to help your overall wellbeing.

We are running free movement sessions with Jude up until Christmas and then after the New Year as follows:

  • Monday – Creasey Park In Luton from 9:30pm to 11:30
  • Tuesday – Marsh Farm Futures House in Luton from 12:30pm to 2.30pm
  • Friday – Bedford MS Therapy Centre in Bedford from 1pm to 3pm

Jude and Catherine who one of our MSK ActiveWell participants

 

Photo caption: Jude and Catherine who is one of our MSK ActiveWell participants

The sessions are run by Jude, who has worked in partnership with The Disability Resource Centre on a number of occasions. You can see her on our charity’s YouTube channel with a range of exercise videos both for when you are standing and seated.

Jude runs our new MSK ActiveWell movement sessions in small groups and you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in, we recommend clothes you can move freely in and flat, supportive shoes. Jude makes the environment very friendly and even takes music requests. She always does a safe wind down after the sessions and includes a coffee/tea and a chat. There is a lift or ramp at the venues to access all floors.

MSK ActiveWell is here to empower you with the tools, support, and community you need to live a more active, healthier, and fulfilling life.

How MSK ActiveWell supports your exercise journey

Our MSK ActiveWell programme is designed to help you incorporate safe and effective exercise into your life. Here’s how:

5 good reasons to join MSK ActiveWell for exercise support

  1. Personalised support from day one: Don’t wait months for help. Within a week of joining, you’ll start your wellbeing journey, designed specifically for your needs, guided by our qualified Health and Wellbeing Practitioner. They’ll help you create a safe, effective exercise plan tailored to your condition and fitness level.
  2. Proven, evidence-based approach: MSK ActiveWell combines our 15+ years of expertise with the latest research in musculoskeletal health. You’ll receive one-to-one support for a full year, ensuring you have the guidance you need to exercise safely and effectively.
  3. Comprehensive care for your whole wellbeing: MSK ActiveWell offers tailored activities, tracks your progress, and provides ongoing support to address not just exercise, but also pain management, weight management, and even the social isolation that often comes with chronic conditions.
  4. Take charge of your health: While waiting for NHS treatment, you can actively improve your health and wellbeing with MSK ActiveWell. Learn how to exercise safely, improve your strength and flexibility, and feel empowered to make positive changes in your life.
  5. See real progress, week after week: Regular feedback and progress tracking will keep you motivated and show you just how far you’ve come. You’ll be able to see improvements in your strength, flexibility, and overall wellbeing.

What if you are nervous about joining a programme?

We understand. Taking the first step can be daunting. That’s why we offer small group activities where you can connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through. There will be other people on the programme with musculoskeletal conditions like you. You may build friendships, share experiences, and learn from each other, all in a supportive environment.

MSK ActiveWell is about making small, sustainable changes that add up to big results. You’re not alone on this journey – our Health and Wellbeing Practitioner is here to support you every single day, for a full year.

​Read all the details and sign-up on our main MSK ActiveWell page today

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Staying active with MSK conditions: Your guide to staying active safely

When you’re living with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition, the thought of exercise might seem daunting or even counterintuitive. You might worry about causing more pain or damaging your joints. However, staying active is one of the most important things you can do to manage your condition and improve your overall health and wellbeing. In fact, regular, appropriate movement and exercise can help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and boost your mood.

Read More »

MSK ActiveWell: A new and free musculoskeletal condition support programme

If you are struggling with a musculoskeletal condition, feeling stuck on waiting lists, and unsure of how to manage your pain, and regain control of your life, then our new MSK ActiveWell programme could be the answer. Within a week of joining, you’ll start your wellbeing journey, designed specifically for your needs, guided by our qualified Health and Wellbeing Practitioner.

Read More »

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