According to the latest data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, hip replacements have more than doubled from 2000-2014, from 160, 282 to 371.605 a year. Knee replacements have increased from 274,467 to 680,886.

There has been an enormous increase in joint replacements in those referred to as Baby boomers (people born between 1946 – 1964). The reasons can range from athletic experiences in youth, to jobs that require repetitive movements, to later age sports participation. All of these can cause
injuries to joints such as knees, hips and shoulders.

With age comes an increased pressure on joints and potential increase in arthritis and either one can lead to the need for joint replacements.One of the ways to reduce or postpone joint replacement surgery is to strengthen your muscles today.

By increasing the muscles that surround and support your joints, you can reduce and even eliminate the pressure on your joints. The strength of your muscles can change your risk of joint replacement.

As you begin a strength training program, exercises for a specific joint issue should be done once a week, beginning with little or no resistance, and done slowly to remove momentum. This approach will help you reduce the risk or injury and increase your outcome. The best program for you will include any joints that are currently given you issues and all other joints to eliminate future issues.

For the very best strength training results, focus on finding a range of motion that minimizes or stops discomfort and complete that good range several times. Getting it right is much better than trying to attain certain amount of weight or specific number of repetitions. Always, let your body be the guide for better strength today and into the future.