How Do You Maintain Your Passion for Outdoor Activities?

It’s no secret Australians love spending time outdoors and being active; whether hiking, camping, or playing sports with friends, we enjoy being out and enjoying nature.

However, if we don’t take care of our bodies, it can be harder to keep up with the outdoor activities we enjoy so much. Pain and diminished flexibility can contribute to rendering these activities difficult and possibly unpleasant. Losing your passion for outdoor activities is common when participating in them becomes challenging; and acquiring an injury can put a stop to them altogether.

How Can Physiotherapy Help You Keep Up With Outdoor Activities?

Physiotherapy is a powerful tool for the longevity of our bodies. It keeps your body healthy, your mind happy and ensures you continue doing what you love. No matter what outdoor activity your passion lies in, there are many ways regularly seeing a physio can help.

It alleviates aches and pain

It’s hard to enjoy outdoor activities if you’re uncomfortable from aches and pains. They can sap the joy out of the activities you once loved. 

Physiotherapists are health professionals trained in giving hands on diagnosis and treatment. Wherever you feel pain or aches, our physios can identify and provide solutions to the problem. It is worth seeing a physio if you struggle with: 

• Neck, shoulder, or back pain
• Headaches
• Arthritis
• Chronic pain from pre-existing health conditions
• Knots and muscle tension 
• Fatigue
• Ongoing injury
• Rehabilitation of surgery 

Acute pain can make even low energy activities difficult. Many people have been taught “no pain, no gain” and as such, continue to work through possible injury and dysfunction.

It helps prevent injuries

Physical therapy is about more than getting you back on your feet. The holistic and hands-on nature of our physiotherapy allows us to identify where problems could arise in the future. From there we can provide you with the tools and treatment to keep you standing on your feet.

It keeps you flexible

Maintaining your flexibility is a great way to protect your body’s ability to move freely and without restriction. You can read more about the importance of flexibility from the article Why You Should Be Maintaining Your Flexibility here

It is unique to you

The service provided by our physiotherapists is not one size fit all. Every person’s body is unique. Through our deep understanding of the human body and our genuine care for your wellbeing, our physios develop a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. 

Communication is a significant component of our physiotherapy philosophy. We listen intently to your situation, then clearly express the approach we’re going to be taking. At every step we make sure you’re comfortable. It is true that sometimes treatment techniques may be painful, however you always remain in control. We will adjust and take the steps required to progress your treatment at your pace. 

Whatever your passion, you’ll be provided with treatment to ensure you can continue doing it well into the future. We tailor the treatment to be specific to the outdoor activities you enjoy and to the specific biomechanics you present.

For example we might:

• Focus on your posture so you don’t ache after hours of fishing or gardening
• Work on your balance and mobility so every hike isn’t an uphill battle.
• Provide technique to prevent hamstring strains when you get up at the crack of dawn to go cycling

Why is it important to maintain your passion for outdoor activities?

Keeping active is a fantastic way to support both your physical and mental wellbeing. There are many well known benefits to getting outdoors and being active. You can read more about what wellbeing is and how to keep it here.

Improve sleep

Getting enough rest each night is an important aspect of your overall wellbeing. It allows your body to recover from the previous day and makes you alert for the next day. Getting outdoors and active can improve the time it takes you to get to sleep and the quality of sleep. 

Improve Your Mood

Many outdoor activities are a great way of getting exercise. When we exercise it releases endorphins and serotonin, two chemicals which have a powerful impact in improving your mood.

Reduce Stress

Regular exercise also reduces your total number of stress receptors. This doesn’t decrease the amount of stress hormones you’ll produce. However, it will diminish the effect of the stress hormones you do produce. In turn this lessens the sway stressful experiences will have over you.  

Sharpen your memory

Physical activity stimulates the growth of new brain cells, supporting the formation of new synapses. In particular those that relate to learning and memory, boosting your ability to absorb new information and develop long-term memories

Increase energy

Aerobic activities such as swimming, cycling or even a brisk walk can increase your heart and breathing rates. Maintaining these are a great way to look after your cardiovascular health.  Improving this can give you the  endurance to do all your outdoor activities for longer. 

Reduce the risk of illness

Regularly going outside for some fresh air and engaging in physical activity doesn’t just improve your overall health. It also reduces your risk for diabetes, heart and lung disease, obesity, dementia and some forms of cancer. 

Book an appointment now!

Our team at City Physiotherapists are more than ready to help you alleviate the problems you do have and prevent future ones from arising. So, If you want to keep on doing the outdoor activities you love, don’t hesitate to book an appointment. Call our friendly reception on 8212 4886, or click the book online button below for a same-day appointment.

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