Ignoring the pain could lead to loss of mobility and surgery (no thanks!).
Knees or hips unusually creaky? Try:
Icing them:
Apply ice (covered in a T-shirt) to the joint for 20 mins at a time, up to five times a day, for three days. The cold reduces inflammation.
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Performing range-of-motion exercises:
Do this pre- and post-workout. March in place or swing your legs from front to back to increase blood flow and joint mobility. Gently rotate neck and shoulders.
Stopping workouts:
If your pain is sharp (as opposed to dull and achy), stop what you’re doing. If the discomfort persists after two weeks off, see a physio.
Reform your own practice:
Easing pain with pilates? Good one, mate – in a study of peeps with chronic lower back problems, 12 weeks of pilates improved function, confidence to move and ab-muscle activation. But even better than taking to a mat? Using a reformer, which made a difference more quickly.
