It’s one thing to go to bed feeling sore and achy. At the end of a long day, feeling a little sore is somewhat normal. After all, you’ve been pushing your body for somewhere between 12 – 16 hours, taking care of your family, your pets, your office concerns, and your home—who wouldn’t feel a bit sore, right? But in the morning, that soreness is a whole different experience. Waking up sore and achy can really zap the energy and positivity out of your day. The worst part is that if you don’t address that achiness and soreness first thing, then those feelings are likely to very quickly translate themselves into fatigue, meaning that you are likely to face the entire day feeling sluggish and ready for bed.
The best thing to do when you wake up feeling sore and achy is to take matters into your own hands right from the start.
Here are the four best things to do if you wake up with aches and pains:
- Stretch! A morning yoga routine can go a long way in helping you to stretch out those aches and pains. Yoga is a great form of exercise for the morning. Stretching your muscles and easing those sore joints before heading to work can give you a bit more energy and help you to feel a bit more comfortable at your desk all day. There are plenty of ways to get started with a morning stretching routine. Yoga routines are easily found online, and you can ask your physical therapist for guidance as to the best stretches for your exact source of pain.
- Take a warm bath. Soaking in a warm tub can really help to alleviate the aches and pains. Hot and cold therapy is a commonly recommended form of physical therapy, and can be helpful with improving sleep patterns and reducing stress. If you don’t have time in the morning for a warm bath, consider adding this to your evening routine. Cutting out a bit of TV time and adding a bit of relaxation with warm water can help you to sleep more soundly and may reduce some of those common aches and pains.
- Hydrate! You’d be amazed what a bit of proper hydration can do for the body. When you are dehydrated, your body is working from behind. Water helps to lubricate the joints and energize your muscles. Waking up dehydrated and going directly for that cup of coffee is only going to leave you feeling achier and more dehydrated. Try adding a large glass of ice water to your morning routine, prior to that cup of Joe.
- Contact your physical therapist to set up an appointment. If you are experiencing aches and pains from the moment you wake up in the morning, then it may be time to have those aches and pains assessed by your physical therapist. Physical therapy can provide you with the tools and strategies you need to feel more comfortable morning to night.
Waking up with aches and pains is no fun at all. If you are experiencing discomfort regularly in the morning, it may be worth your while to assess your sleeping posture and arrangements. An old mattress, and uncomfortable pillow, or a stressful sleeping arrangement can cause pain in the neck, back and shoulders. Making slight modifications to your evening and nighttime routine may help you feel better in the morning. For more guidance on dealing with morning aches and pains, contact Springfield Physical Therapy.
