Play Is Pain Prevention: Why Adults Need to Relearn Fun”

Play Is Pain Prevention: Why Adults Need to Relearn Fun”

Recreational movement — or play — is medicine. From tag to hopscotch, children naturally engage in varied, multidirectional movements that promote joint health, proprioception, and cardiovascular fitness. Adults should incorporate play-like movement for sustainable, joyful exercise.

Details:

• Playful movement improves neuromuscular control and joint stability, reducing fall and injury risk.

• The British Journal of Sports Medicine found that “movement variability” — switching directions, speeds, and types of motion — reduces overuse injuries and enhances resilience (BJSM, 2020).

• Play reduces perceived exertion, making exercise feel easier and more sustainable.

• Mental health benefits of unstructured play are well-documented and include reduced anxiety and increased motivation (Frontiers in Psychology, 2015).

• Adults benefit from dancing, hiking on trails, swimming, or pickup sports — all forms of adult play.

Let’s get you back to play.

Call 605-342-3280 for a consult to rediscover movement that feels good and supports healing.