If You Don’t Move, Eventually You’ll Pay Someone to Move You: The Cost of Inactivity
Movement is medicine, and if you neglect it, the price can be steep - both physically and financially. I see it every day in my clinic: patients arriving because they’ve lost the ability to move a joint, muscle, or ligament. My job is to restore that movement, but it’s a role that could often be avoided with the right proactive mindset. The truth is, nobody listens to free advice, but here’s one you should pay attention to: if you don’t move now, you’ll end up paying someone to move you later.
Movement is Not Optional - It’s Essential
Movement is not just about keeping fit; it’s about maintaining the very structures that support our daily lives. Modern lifestyles, desk jobs, and even the conveniences of technology are eroding our movement patterns, leading to a host of problems that I regularly treat. Research has shown that prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and decreased mobility, which directly impact our quality of life. Simply put, if you don’t use it, you lose it.
The True Cost of Inactivity
Inactivity doesn’t just cost you in terms of pain or limited mobility; it can lead to a reliance on healthcare interventions that could have been prevented. A recent study highlighted that people who engage in regular movement have a significantly lower risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders compared to those who are sedentary. This underscores the importance of consistent, varied movement - whether it’s through structured exercise, active commuting, or simply incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine.
Why Patients Seek My Help
When patients come to me, they’ve often reached a point where self-management has failed. Whether it’s a frozen shoulder, chronic back pain, or a recurring knee problem, the root cause usually boils down to one thing: a loss of movement. My role is to assess, diagnose, and implement treatments that restore function, but the journey back to health would be much smoother if movement had been prioritised in the first place.
Movement as Preventative Medicine
Restoring movement is not just about chiropractic adjustments; it’s about a comprehensive approach that includes exercise therapy, myofascial release, and patient education. Neural Re-Education (NRE), a cornerstone of the MoveMed approach, empowers patients to reclaim their movement and understand the underlying causes of their pain. A study found that patients who engaged in movement-based therapies had significantly better outcomes compared to those relying solely on passive treatments.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Procrastinating on movement is like ignoring the warning lights on your car dashboard - it only leads to bigger problems down the road. If you’ve been putting off exercise, or ignoring those niggling aches and pains, consider this your wake-up call. It’s not just about preventing future costs; it’s about improving your current quality of life. Movement nourishes your body, keeps your joints lubricated, and maintains the strength and flexibility needed to perform daily tasks effortlessly.
Practical Steps to Integrate Movement Into Your Life
Micro-movements matter: Standing desks, regular breaks, and stretching can keep your body engaged throughout the day.
Prioritise mobility exercises: Incorporate simple stretches and mobility drills into your routine. Even five minutes can make a difference.
Listen to your body: Pain is your body’s way of signalling that something isn’t right. Address it early, rather than waiting for it to worsen.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Movement Today
The reality is clear: if you don’t invest in your movement now, you’ll pay for it later - often in ways far more costly than you’d expect. Movement is not just an option; it’s a necessity. Don’t let your body become a liability. Start moving today, because eventually, if you don’t, you’ll find yourself paying someone to move you.
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References:
Park JH, Moon JH, Kim HJ, Kong MH, Oh YH. Sedentary Lifestyle: Overview of Updated Evidence of Potential Health Risks. Korean J Fam Med. 2020 Nov;41(6):365-373. doi: 10.4082/kjfm.20.0165. Epub 2020 Nov 19. PMID: 33242381; PMCID: PMC7700832. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7700832/
Marijančić V, Grubić Kezele T, Peharec S, Dragaš-Zubalj N, Pavičić Žeželj S, Starčević-Klasan G. Relationship between Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior, Spinal Curvatures, Endurance and Balance of the Trunk Muscles-Extended Physical Health Analysis in Young Adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Oct 18;20(20):6938. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20206938. PMID: 37887676; PMCID: PMC10606682. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10606682/
Phuphanich ME, Droessler J, Altman L, Eapen BC. Movement-Based Therapies in Rehabilitation. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2020 Nov;31(4):577-591. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2020.07.002. Epub 2020 Sep 7. PMID: 32981580; PMCID: PMC7476461. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7476461/
