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Hey!

Patients always ask me, “Dr. Matt, what do I need to do to keep my joints healthy long term?”. My answer is always the same.

Use your joints through their full range of motion…often.

That is the #1 thing we can do to keep our joints healthy and moving long term. It’s better than any supplement, any fancy exercise, any medication.

Just joints doing their job, regularly.

That’s what matters.

In today’s newsletter, I’m going to break down why that is and how big of an impact it can make.

Joints are living tissue.
They depend on movement to stay nourished.

When a joint moves through the ranges it’s designed for:

• cartilage gets nutrients
• joint surfaces stay more resilient
• surrounding tissue tolerates load better

When motion is lost or avoided for long enough, joints adapt in the opposite direction. They become less tolerant, less predictable, and more sensitive.

That’s often when pain and stiffness show up.

Pain usually isn’t the first problem.
Loss of joint motion and capacity comes first.

When joints stop moving well, stress gets shifted elsewhere. Over time, that extra stress shows up as flare-ups, breakdown, or arthritic changes.

Maintaining motion doesn’t guarantee you’ll never have arthritis. But it’s one of the most reliable ways we know to slow progression and keep joints usable for longer.

That’s a meaningful win.

People often tell me they feel “tight,” fragile, or unsure about normal activities.

What they’re really describing is a lack of use.

When you regularly move your joints through useful ranges, your body learns:
“I can handle this.”

That confidence matters.

People who work on joint motion tend to:
• feel less guarded
• worry less about flare-ups
• trust their bodies again

That’s not mindset. That’s physiology catching up to demand.

The same activities that improve joint motion also support:

• brain health, including lower risk of cognitive decline
• cardiovascular health, reducing heart attack and stroke risk
• blood sugar regulation
• overall longevity

This isn’t because joint work is magical.
It’s because movement done well improves how the entire system functions.

From that perspective, the decision becomes pretty clear.

The real question isn’t:
“Should I work on my joints?”

It’s: “What’s stopping me?”

For most people, the answer is simple.

They don’t know what to do, or where to start, without guessing.

That’s exactly why I built Joint Basics: Low Back & Hips.

It’s a clear, structured starting point for restoring motion and control in the area that most often limits everything else.

If that’s what’s been holding you back, this is usually the right place to begin.

And if something else is stopping you, reply to this email and tell me what it is. I read every response, and I would love to be able to help you.

Talk soon,

Dr. Matt Moreno, D.C., C.C.S.P.®
The Move More Minute

Disclaimer: The information provided in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, chiropractor, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new exercise program.

The exercises and suggestions provided are general recommendations and may not be suitable for everyone. If you experience pain, discomfort, or any concerning symptoms while performing these exercises (such as numbness, dizziness, or increased pain), stop immediately and consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this newsletter. The author, Move More Minute, and its affiliates assume no responsibility for injuries or issues that may arise from following the recommendations provided. By engaging with this content, you agree to do so at your own risk.

For personalized care or specific advice, please schedule an appointment with a qualified professional.