Muscle & Joint Function

CONCERN

Feeling strong, steady, and mobile is essential for everyday comfort and confidence. Whether it’s climbing stairs, bending down, carrying the shopping, or simply moving without strain, our muscles and joints play a central role in how we function. When they’re not working well, due to weakness, instability, or imbalance, even simple tasks can become harder, and the risk of injury increases. 

Muscle weakness or reduced coordination can develop for many reasons, including inactivity, previous injuries, pain avoidance, or the natural effects of aging. Over time, these factors can lead to stiffness, poor posture, and compensatory movement patterns that place additional strain on the body. Improving muscular strength, particularly through the core and the muscles that stabilise joints, can help restore control and balance, making movement feel smoother and more efficient. 

Joint or muscle instability is often subtle at first but can contribute to problems such as knee buckling, shoulder discomfort, or ankles giving way. When surrounding muscles aren’t strong or responsive enough to support and protect a joint, that joint becomes more vulnerable to pain or strain. Fortunately, with the right approach, strength and stability training can help “retrain” these areas to work more effectively together, enhancing resilience and reducing injury risk. 

A strong, stable core is especially important. It supports posture, protects the spine, and enables controlled movement in everyday life. Core stability isn’t just about abdominal muscles, it includes the deep stabilising muscles of the hips, back, and pelvis. When this internal support system is functioning well, it helps reduce lower back strain and promotes better alignment throughout the body. 

An effective approach to muscle and joint health focuses on restoring strength, improving movement control, and building lasting stability. With the right guidance, your body can move not just harder, but smarter. 

Sources:

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Behm DG, Drinkwater EJ, Willardson JM, et al. The use of instability to train the core musculature. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2010;35(1):91–108. doi:10.1139/H09-127. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20130672/  

Benjaminse A, Gokeler A, Dowling AV, et al. 
Optimization of the anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention paradigm: novel feedback techniques to enhance motor learning and reduce injury risk. 
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Metacognition and action: a new pathway to understanding social and cognitive aspects of expertise in sport. Front Psychol. 2014;5:1155. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01155. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01155/full  

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Disclaimer: 
This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results may vary. Please consult a qualified professional before making healthcare or treatment decisions.