How To Increase Synovial Fluid

Dr. Sirish PhysiotherapistBPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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Here are some general dietary tips that may be beneficial: maintain a balanced diet: focus on consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like poultry, fish, tofu, legumes), and healthy fats (such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil). Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your joints lubricated and to help with weight loss. Control portion sizes: be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating, which can contribute to weight gain. Using smaller plates and bowls can help with portion control. Limit processed foods: minimize your intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages high in added sugars, as they can contribute to inflammation and weight gain. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids: include sources of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body, including the joints. Increase fiber intake: fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help you feel full and satisfied, which may aid in weight management. Additionally, fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. Consider anti-inflammatory foods: some foods have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body. These include berries, cherries, turmeric, ginger, green tea, and olive oil. Limit sodium intake: excess sodium can contribute to fluid retention and may exacerbate swelling in the joints. Aim to limit your intake of processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks. Consult with a registered dietitian: consider working with a registered dietitian who can create a personalized meal plan tailored to your specific health needs, including your asthma and knee problems. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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Ice therapy would definitely help to reduce the inflammation. We also advise you to use knee cap which would help to prevent the knee from damaging further and also to maintain the quadriceps muscle tone. Stiffness might have developed due to weakness of the ligaments &inflammed cartilage. Specific knee exercises will also help ie. Keeping ball underneath the knee and keep pressing it. That's the simple exercise which will help you to strengthen the knee. You need to consume good protein and iron diet in your body which will help you to break the fatigue and general body pain. However non veg foods definitely makes you to get increased with the toxin levels in the body and it makes your knee to have less fluid content in the system. In general we suggest patients who has knee pain to eat more water content vegetables which will definitely help you to feel better. This is a general knee pain and for this you can follow these measures: one keep a pillow right under the knee while sleeping, next is you can keep ice in the painful area for about 5--10 minutes, it looks like you are is important to check that. Anaemia always leads to the symptoms of being tired and also having body pain though there may not be any pathological reasons for knee pain. With knee exercises you will definitely feel better and muscles must be strengthened. •patellar tendinitis: •risk factor •a combination of factors may contribute to the development of patellar tendinitis, including: •physical activity. •running and jumping are most commonly associated with patellar tendinitis. Sudden increases in how hard or how often you engage in the activity also add stress to the tendon, as can changing your running shoes. •tight leg muscles. Tight thigh muscles (quadriceps) and hamstrings, which run up the back of your thighs, can increase strain on your patellar tendon. ••muscular imbalance. •if some muscles in your legs are much stronger than others, the stronger muscles could pull harder on your patellar tendon. This uneven pull could cause tendinitis. •chronic illness. •some illnesses disrupt blood flow to the knee, which weakens the tendon. Examples include kidney failure, autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. •complications •if you try to work through your pain, ignoring your body's warning signs, you could cause increasingly larger tears in the patellar tendon. Knee pain and reduced function can persist if you don't tend to the problem, and you may progress to the more serious patellar tendinopathy. •prevention •to reduce your risk of developing patellar tendinitis, take these steps: •don't play through pain. As soon as you notice exercise-related knee pain, ice the area and rest. Until your knee is pain-free, avoid activities that put stress on your patellar tendon. •strengthen your muscles. Strong thigh muscles are better able to handle the stresses that can cause patellar tendinitis. Eccentric exercises, which involve lowering your leg very slowly after extending your knee, are particularly helpful. •improve your technique. To be sure you're using your body correctly, consider taking lessons or getting professional instructions when starting a new sport or using exercise equipment. •therapy •a variety of physical therapy techniques can help reduce the symptoms associated with patellar tendinitis, including: •patellar tendon strap. A strap that applies pressure to your patellar tendon can help to distribute force away from the tendon and direct it through the strap instead. This may help relieve pain. •iontophoresis. This therapy involves spreading a corticosteroid medicine on your skin and then using a device that delivers a low electrical charge to push the medication through your skin. •platelet-rich plasma injection. This type of injection has been tried in some people with chronic patellar tendon problems. Studies are ongoing. It is hoped the injections might promote new tissue formation and help heal tendon damage. •probably your stamina would've gone down due to over use of the joints and the metabolic activity is more due to running. You need to consume good protein diet so that your body will act as a reservoir. It will help you to fight against rather than affecting one particular area of your body for eg. Knee joint. For knee ligament pain or inflammation you need to keep ice which will help you to prevent the inflammation progressing further. •patellofemoral pain syndrome •usually fully relieved with simple measures or physical therapy. It may recur, however, if you do not make adjustments to your training routine or activity level. It is essential to maintain appropriate conditioning of the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and the hamstrings. •there are additional steps that you can take to prevent recurrence of patellofemoral •they include: •wearing shoes appropriate to your activities •warming up thoroughly before physical activity •incorporating stretching and flexibility exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings into your warm-up routine, and stretching after physical activity •increasing training gradually •reducing any activity that has hurt your knees in the past •maintaining a healthy body weight to avoid overstressing your knees ••d cartilageacl •joints, ie. In the upper limbs if the pain is present in the fingers/wrist and in the lower limbs it the pain is present in the toes/ ankle, then we shall definitely say it is rheumatic arthritis. •if your proximal joints (ie. Shoulder, hip & knee has pain) then you can pour hot (warm) water in that area to reduce the inflammation. If you have pain in the distal joints ie. Wrist, fingers, ankle, toes then you can wear either elbow brace or wrist brace which will help you to feel warm and very protective. And also immerse the distal joints in the hot water tub which will help you to reduce the pain. ••knee pain during driving or watching movie. •it might due to lack of movements in the knee while the joints are immobilized during driving and while watching movies. It is important that you need to have movements in and around the knee so that the blood flow will not be disturbed. •knee ligament laxity•if you have problem in your legs then it might be due to ligament laxity where your legs would become very weak due to the old ligament injury and that should be treated immediately. •wear knee cap so that you will feel firm while walking or climbing stairs.•this is a general strain and for this you can follow these measures: one keep a pillow right under the knee while sleeping, next is you can keep ice in the painful area for about 5--10 minutes, if pain still persists you can stretch your body by twisting the waist on both sides how we used to do in the school drill similarly you can try! one time you can do hot water fermentation that would help to reduce the muscle strain.•legs becoming numb and also pain is there when the patient walks for 10-15 minutes?•it looks like you are anaemic. If you feel that the legs are becoming numb then keep your legs warm which is important, probably you can wear mcr chappals inside the house/ socks inside the house. Put a door mat when ever you sit so that you will feel comfortable. Also pour warm water in the legs which would help you to get better circulation. •knee pain. If you are overweight, losing weight will also help to reduce pressure on your knee. •knee pain, when leg folding time get pain. The importance of buying braces and splints from us – orthopaedic support braces we suggest you to wear knee brace which is available at our clinic. If you want you can buy from us, if you are far away from chennai we can send you by courier. The reason why we are conveying you to buy from us is we can demonstrate over the videocall (using whatsapp) and also we can monitor you throughout when to wear it and how long to wear it. And also if you find any difficulty wearing the brace you can also revert back to us for few more suggestions and we can propose you good solution how to go about it. Resisted terminal knee extension: make a loop with a piece of elastic tubing by tying a knot in both ends. Close the knot in a door at knee height. Step into the loop with your injured leg so the tubing is around the back of your knee. Lift the other foot off the ground and hold onto a chair for balance, if needed. Bend the knee with tubing about 45 degrees. Slowly straighten your leg, keeping your thigh muscle tight as you do this. Repeat 15 times. Do 2 sets of 15. If you need an easier way to do this, stand on both legs for better support while you do the exercise. Standing calf stretch: stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at about eye level. Keep as arthritis is very common that you get generally bilaterally. Ice therapy would definitely help to reduce the inflammation. We also advise you to use knee cap which would help to prevent the knee from damaging further and also to maintain the quadriceps muscle tone 1. Heel and calf stretch 2. Quadriceps stretch to do this stretch: 1. Stand next to a wall or use a chair for support. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart. 2. Bend one knee so your foot goes up toward your glutes. 3. Grab your ankle and gently pull it toward your glutes as far as you can comfortably. 4. Hold for 30 seconds. 5. Return to the starting position and change legs. 6. Repeat 2 times on each side. You need to consume good protein and iron diet in your body which will help you to break the fatigue and body pain. You have to reduce the weight by walking minimum 1 km per day. Slowly reduce the weight and slowly avoid adding salt in the diet which will help you to prevent water retention in the body. Excess salt in general leads to water in the body which might be the reason for you to have leg pain. Hotwater fermentation that would help you to get relieved from joint pains. But food precautions, it is better to avoid tamarind in the food rather to add lime or mango. You can generally do basic aerobic exercises which will definitely help to improve the body weakness. Consume good protein and vitamin diet which will help you to improve your weakness of the whole body. You can give good vitamin d and calcium which will help to have quick healing. If you are a non veg person consume seer fish or if you are a veg person eat mushrooms which has vitamin d3. You need to consume water content vegetables which will make you feel hydrated. A good brace will protect your knee and take the pressure off your meniscus, allowing it to rest. Your doctor may recommend the rice regimen—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—to treat a eroded cartilage which is the main reason for the synovial fluid to get drained. Resting your knee can help relieve your symptoms. Steps to heal a worn out cartilage naturally: rest: it's crucial to rest your knee after it starts to ache. You should not participate in activities where you could cause additional strain. Ice: apply ice to your knee for 15 minutes at four-hour intervals. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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Physical examination a thorough physical examination reveals much about the patient's health and general fitness. The physical part of the exam includes a review of the patient's medical and family history. Often laboratory tests such as complete blood count and urinalysis are ordered. The physical exam may include: •palpation (exam by touch) determines spinal abnormalities, areas of tenderness, and muscle spasm. •range of motion measures the degree to which a patient can perform movement of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and spinal rotation. •a neurologic evaluation assesses the patient's symptoms including pain, numbness, paresthesias (e.g. Tingling), extremity sensation and motor function, muscle spasm, weakness, and bowel/bladder changes. Particular attention may be given to the extremities. Either a ct scan or mri study may be required if there is evidence of neurologic dysfunction. Physical therapy which teaches the patient to strengthen the paravertebral and abdominal muscles which lend support to the spine. General exercises which help build flexibility, increase range of motion and strength. A corset or a brace could be used to provide support; cervical collars may be used to alleviate pain by restricting movement. Hot or cold packs on the affected area, ultrasound and electric stimulation are some of the other treatments which are used. Management of acute symptoms rest and support- with acute joint symptoms, a lumbar corset may be helpful to provide rest to inflamed facet joints. When acute symptoms decrease, discontinue corset by gradually increasing the time without the corset. Often the most comfortable position is flexion, esp. If there are neurologic signs due to decrease in the foraminal space from joint swelling or osteophytes. Education of posture- head, neck and shoulders should be supported by the back rest of chair with a small pillow in the lumbar spine, the feet supported and the arm resting on arm rests or on a pillow in the lap. Modalities- hot or cold packs on the affected area, ultrasound and electric stimulation are some of the other treatments which are used to decrease pain and reduce muscle spasm. Relaxation- by soft tissue techniques. Teach self relaxationtechniques, e.g like deep breathing exercises and physiological relaxation (laura mitchell method) and hydrotherapy. Traction- gentle intermittent joint distraction and gliding techniques may inhibit painful muscle responses and provide synovial fluid movement within the joint for healing. Gentle rom within the limits of pain. Management of subacute and chronic phase increase rom- free active exercises of lumbar spine. Pelvic tilting forward, backward in crook lying, quadriped, sitting and standing. Mobilization- restoration of intersegmental mobility by accessory pressure enables the patient to regain full functional painfree movement. Stretching exercises. Strengthening exercises.Posture correction. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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If you have low back pain and sciatica you can undergo intermittent pelvic traction where in your half of your body weight will be added in the electronic traction so that that would help you to reduce the pain, along with interferential therapy stimulations which would help you to get relieved from the radiating pain. Apply ice for the pain to get subsided immediately. If you cannot go immediately for the physiotherapy treatment. Ice can be kept in the low back where you have back pain. It is suggestible to wear lumbo sacral belt which would help you to build the abdominal muscle tone which itself would make you feel better. You can also wear mcr chappals which would help you to have less weight falling in the painful back. U have to take vitamin d rich foods. Likemilk,cheese, yogurt,brocoli, spinach.u need calcium consumption for increase the bone density. Lackof bone and bones crush inside the body this might be due to low calcium or vitamin d which has more impact on the bone density and also it makes one to feel that there is lack of bone strength or in a way the bones are brittle and almost breaking and they feel it is crushed in a way there are many bones breaking at the same time. You have to take vitamin d rich foods. Likemilk,cheese, yogurt, brocoli, spinach.u need calcium consumption for increase the bone density. vitamin d intake via supplements or exposure to low levels of sunlight. Vitamin d is used to absorb calcium in the bone and regulate calcium in the blood. If you have leg pain then you have to rule out the causes for having leg pain. First of all check your weight and your haemoglobin levels, as anaemia always leads to the symptoms of being tired and also having leg pain though there are no issues with the knee joint or back pain. If not if the pain radiates down th e back of thigh and legs then it might be due to sciatica. Kindly consult the nearby physiotherapist. Hope you recover soon from the leg pain. Knee pain / renal issue it is definitely not due to that the knee pain would be due to your general weakness as you have renal issues it is good to consult nephrologist at the same improve your diet by taking good advise from the dietician it can only be seen in the xray and there the synovial fluid draining can be found in the xray where the joint edges and the space are reduced due to the synovial fluid dryness leading to sclerosis. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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Treatment goals •to protect the joint from further damages. •provide pin relief. •prevent deformity and disabilities. •increase functional capacity. •improve flexibility and strength. •encourage regular exercise. •improve general fitness. Physiotherapy modalities - hot/cold applications- electrical stimulation- hydrotherapy and spa therapy rehabilitation treatment technique - rest and splinting - compression gloves - assistive devices and adaptive equipment - massage therapy - therapeutic exercise - patient education assistive devices and adaptive equipment occupational therapy improves functional ability in patients with ra. Occupational therapy interventions such as assistive devices and adaptive equipments have beneficial effects on joint protection and energy conservation in arthritic patients.Assistive devices are used in order to reduce functional deficits, to diminish pain, and to keep patients' independence and self-efficiency. Loading over the hip joint may be reduced by 50% by holding a cane. In fact, most of these instruments are originally designed for patients with neurologic deficits; therefore, certain adaptations may be needed for them to be used in patients with arthritis. Elevated toilet seats, widened gripping handles, arrangements related with bathrooms, etc. Might all facilitate the daily life. The procedures needed to increase compliance of the patient with the environment and to increase functional independence are +mainly determined by the occupational therapist. Massage therapy that improves flexibility, enhances a feeling of connection with other treatment modalities, improves general well being, and can help to diminish swelling of inflamed joints. Massage is found to be effective on depression, anxiety, mood, and pain. Therapeutic exercise every joint should be moved in the rom at least once per day in order to prevent contracture. In the case of acutely inflamed joints, isometric exercises provide adequate muscle tone without exacerbation of clinical disease activity. Moderate contractures should be held for 6 seconds and repeated 5–10 times each day. Dynamic exercise therapy in improving joint mobility, muscle strength, aerobic capacity and daily functioning in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (ra). Finally, in chronic stage with inactive arthritis, conditioning exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling with adequate resting periods are recommended. They increase muscle endurance and aerobic capacity and improve functions of the patient in general, and they also make the patient feel better. Patient education in patients with ra, sociopsychological factors affecting the disease process such as poor social relations, disturbance of communication with the environment, and unhappiness and depression at work are commonly encountered. The treatment of rheumatic diseases should provide education and information to their patients about their condition and the various physical therapy and rehabilitative options that are available to improve their quality of life. Passive treatments for rheumatoid arthritis •cold therapy reduces circulation, which ultimately decreases swelling. For example, a cold compress may be placed on the painful area. •cold therapy in acute phase •dosage 10-20mints/1-2 times a day. •heat therapy eases muscle tension and gets blood to flow more quickly to the painful area. For example, a moist, warm cloth may be used to promote circulation. •heat therapy in chronic phase •dosage 20-30mints/1-2 times a day. •hydrotherapy involves reducing your ra-related pain and other symptoms with water. With hydrotherapy, you will be submerged in warm water to relieve your symptoms. •massage can help reduce muscle tension and promote good circulation. It's also a fantastic way to help you manage stress (especially important for people with rheumatoid arthritis). •transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tens) works by blocking pain signals from getting to your spinal cord. It also helps decrease muscle spasms. •tens short term pain relief (6 to 18 hrs) •ultrasound creates warmth using sound waves, whichenchanes circulation and decreases joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Exercise for acute phase: •preformed exercise at least once a day. •general assisted movement through normal range (joint mobilisation). •isometric-“static movements” helps to maintain muscle tone without increasing inflammation. Exercise for the chronic phase: •can progress the above exercise to include use of light resistance. •postural/core stability exercises. •swimming/walking/cycling to maintain cardiovascular fitness. •gentle stretch for areas that become tight, such as knees &calves. Regular exercises: •maintaing muscle strength is important for joint stability & preventing injury. •muscles can become weak following reduced activity. •pain signals from yours nerves and swelling can both inhibits muscles. •muscle length can be affected by prolonged positions immobilization and tightness can limit daily activities. Alternative therapies: •thi chi. •musical therapy. •yoga therapy. •relaxation techniques. •pilates. Active treatments for rheumatoid arthritis •flexibility and strengthening exercises improve your range of motion and help you build muscle strength. Yoga and pilates are flexibility and strengthening exercises. •low-impact aerobic exercise is gentle but effective at helping you manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Light walking is an example of this type of exercise. Your physical therapist will let you know how often to do these exercises. For example, you may need to do a few specific exercises 3 times a day, or your physical therapist may recommend a routine that incorporates 30 minutes of low-impact aerobic exercise a day and 30 minutes of strengthening exercises every other day. If your pain is more in the proximal joints, ie.in the upper limbs if the pain is present in the fingers/wrist and in the lower limbs it the pain is present in the toes/ ankle, then we shall definitely say it is rheumatic arthritis. Wear elbow brace and wrist brace which will make her to feel warm and that will make the joints become firm. Hot water fermentation will helpknee cap will also help to prevent the damaged cartilagesif your pain is more in the distal joints, ie. In the upper limbs if the pain is present in the fingers/wrist and in the lower limbs it the pain is present in the toes/ ankle, then we shall definitely say it is rheumatic arthritis. If your proximal joints (ie. Shoulder, hip & knee has pain) then you can pour hot (warm) water in that area to reduce the inflammation. If you have pain in the distal joints ie. Wrist, fingers, ankle, toes then you can wear either elbow brace or wrist brace which will help you to feel warm and very protective. And also immerse the distal joints in the hot water tub which will help you to reduce the pain. 

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Dr. Rajesh GayakwadDNB (Orthopedics), MNAMS (Orthopedic Surgery), MBBSOrthopedic Doctor

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From your symptoms, it appears you might be having a lumbar disc problem. Since your mentioned something about spondylolisthesis, I need to be sure of the same for which x-ray films need to be reviewed. In either case, core back muscle strengthening exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist would be the mainstay of treatment in the initial period. However, exercises should be started only after reviewing your recent x-rays. This mode of treatment is successful in the majority of patients. If no relief is achieved one needs to be further investigated and another course of treatment modalities should be sought. Hope this information is helpful to you. Wish you a speedy recovery. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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Gases are dissolved in the synovial fluid of the joint, he says. "when you stretch and quickly compress the joint capsule the gas is rapidly released, which forms bubbles and cracking noise. Soak and exfoliate your feet keep your feet in lukewarm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes. Use a loofah, foot scrubber, or pumice stone to remove any hard, thick skin. Gently pat your feet dry. Apply a heel balm or thick moisturizer to the affected area. Apply petroleum jelly over your feet to lock in moisture. Gases are dissolved in the synovial fluid of the joint, he says. "when you stretch and quickly compress the joint capsule the gas is rapidly released, which forms bubbles and cracking noise. To crack the same joint again you have to wait until the gases return to the synovial fluid. Also, when the joint moves tendons can move out of place make a cracking sound as the as it moves to its original position. If it is not painful, it is not likely harmful, but if it remains painful, it should be evaluated by a doctor. 

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Dr. Suryam GoduguchintaB.P.T, M.P.T(Orthopedics)Physiotherapist

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Respected lybrate user.....! Please giving treatment from physical therapist for knee joint pain. And also consult orthopaedic doctor and take treatment. Because " reduction of gel in between knees is decreased synovial fluid and reducing knee joint articular space....etc.., physical therapy treatment is more important and some home ex's,care, precautions and preventive measures of postural, ergonomical, lifestyle modifications are necessary. 

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Dr. Deepak DassNCCH & MCHHomeopathy Doctor

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Dear user get your uric acid and ra factor done along with cbc and consult back for proper treatment support. 

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Dr. Karuna ChawlaBHMSHomeopathy Doctor

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You have not mentioned symptoms. Below are exercises that strengthen the lower back and help manage lower back pain: 1. Bridges—lie on the ground and bend the knees, placing the feet flat on the floor hip-width apart. Press the feet into the floor, keeping the arms by the sides. Raise the buttocks off the ground until the body forms a straight line from the shoulders to the knees. Squeeze the buttocks with the shoulders remaining on the floor. Lower the buttocks to the ground and rest for a few seconds. Repeat 15 times and then rest for 1 minute. Do 3 sets of 15 repetitions. 2. Knee-to-chest stretches— lie on the back on the floor. Bend the knees, keeping both feet flat on the floor. Use both hands to pull one knee in toward the chest. Hold the knee against the chest for 5 seconds, keeping the abdominals tight and pressing the spine into the floor. Return to the starting position. Repeat with the opposite leg. Repeat with each leg 2–3 times twice a day. 3. Lower back rotational stretches—lie back on the floor with bent knees and feet flat on the ground. Keeping the shoulders firmly on the floor, gently roll both bent knees over to one side. Hold the position for 5–10 seconds. Return to the starting position. Gently roll the bent knees over to the opposite side, hold, and then return to the starting position. Repeat 2–3 times on each side twice a day. 4. Draw-in maneuvers— lie back on the floor with knees bent and feet flat, keeping the arms by the sides. Breathe in deeply. While breathing out, pull the bellybutton toward the spine, tightening the abdominal muscles and keeping the hips still. Hold the position for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times. 5. Pelvic tilts— lie back on the floor with knees bent and feet flat, keeping the arms by the sides. Gently arch the lower back and push the stomach out. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Flatten the back and pull the bellybutton in toward the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Increase the number of repetitions daily, building up to 30. 6. Lying lateral leg lifts— lie on one side with the legs together. Keep the lower leg slightly bent. Draw the bellybutton into the spine to engage the core muscles. Raise the top leg about 18 inches, keeping it straight and extended. Hold the position for 2 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Turn onto the other side of the body and repeat, lifting the other leg. Perform 3 sets on each side. 7. Cat stretches— get onto the hands and knees with the knees hip-width apart. Arch the back, pulling the bellybutton up toward the spine. Slowly relax the muscles and allow the abdomen to sag toward the floor. Return to the starting position. Repeat 3–5 times twice a day. 8. Supermans— lie face down on the ground and stretch both arms out in front of the body, keeping the legs stretched out and flat on the ground. Raise both the hands and feet, aiming to create a gap of about 6 inches between them and the floor. Try to pull in the bellybutton, lifting it off the floor to engage the core muscles. Keep the head straight and look at the floor to avoid neck injury. Stretch the hands and feet outward as far as possible. Hold the position for 2 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times. 

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