The Science

Our Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system is a complex system that includes the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissue. It provides support, stability, and movement to the body, allowing us to perform various physical activities and maintain posture. The musculoskeletal system is made up of around 640 muscles, 206 bones, and a vast network of tendons and ligaments that connect them. The muscles work together with the bones to produce movement, while the tendons and ligaments provide stability and support to the joints.
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The musculoskeletal system also plays a vital role in maintaining balance, regulating body movements, and supporting various bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and circulation. It is a highly dynamic system that is capable of adapting to changes in the body's needs and environment. For example, when we engage in physical activity, the muscles work harder and grow bigger to produce movement, while the bones, tendons, ligaments and joint cartilage adapt to support the increased load. When we are injured, the musculoskeletal system is able to repair and rebuild its damaged tissues, but at a very slow pace, and often to an insufficient degree, especially in the elderly.

Musculoskeletal Injury
During a muscle injury, the muscle fibers and surrounding tissue are damaged, leading to inflammation and pain. The injury can be caused by a sudden traumatic event, such as a fall or a blow, or by repetitive strain or overuse. When a muscle is injured, the muscle fibers can become torn or stretched, leading to bleeding and swelling in the affected area. This can cause pain and stiffness, making it difficult to move the affected limb or joint. In some cases, the injury may be severe enough to cause a complete tear of the muscle or tendon, which can require surgical repair. The body's natural response to muscle injury is to initiate the healing process, which includes inflammation, tissue repair, and remodeling. The inflammatory response brings immune cells and nutrients to the affected area, while the tissue repair process involves the formation of new muscle fibers and the rebuilding of damaged tissue. Over time, the muscle can recover and regain its strength and function, but proper nutrition and rehabilitation are essential to ensure optimal healing and prevent further injury.

Exercise and Stiff Muscles
Overexercising or pushing your muscles beyond their limits can lead to muscle aches, soreness, and joint stiffness. This occurs because during strenuous exercise, microscopic tears develop in the muscle fibers. While these small tears are a natural part of the muscle-building process, excessive tearing without proper recovery can overwhelm the body's ability to repair and regenerate the damaged fibers. For example, in golf, swinging the club repeatedly with improper form can cause micro-tears in the muscles of the back, shoulders, and arms, leading to joint stiffness in those areas. Similarly, cyclists who push themselves too hard on long or intense rides may experience severe tearing in their quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, resulting in knee and hip joint stiffness.
In the gym, lifting weights that are too heavy or performing too many repetitions without adequate rest can also result in excessive micro-tearing of the muscle fibers. When these tiny tears accumulate faster than the body can repair them, it leads to inflammation, soreness, and impaired muscle function. The regeneration process involves the body's ability to remove the damaged fibers and replace them with new, stronger ones. However, if the muscles are continually stressed without sufficient recovery time, the regeneration process is disrupted, leading to persistent muscle aches, joint stiffness, and potential loss of strength and flexibility.
To support muscle regeneration and prevent prolonged soreness, it's crucial to provide your body with adequate nourishment. By providing your muscles with the necessary nutrients, you can support muscle repair, reduce aches and stiffness, and enhance overall muscular performance and resilience.

Joint Pain and Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, often leads to chronic joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. One contributing factor to the progression and severity of osteoarthritis is muscle weakness, particularly in the muscles surrounding affected joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. These muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing joints and absorbing mechanical stress during movement. When muscles are weak, the burden of supporting body weight and managing impact forces shifts more directly onto the joint structures, including the already compromised cartilage. This increased load accelerates cartilage wear and tear, exacerbating inflammation and pain. Additionally, poor muscular support can lead to altered joint mechanics and misalignment, further contributing to joint deterioration and discomfort.
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Strengthening the muscles around arthritic joints has been shown to significantly alleviate symptoms and improve function in individuals with osteoarthritis. Stronger muscles act as natural shock absorbers, reducing the forces transmitted through the joint during daily activities like walking or climbing stairs. Enhanced muscle strength also improves joint stability, helping to maintain proper alignment and reduce abnormal stress on cartilage. Clinical studies have demonstrated that targeted exercise programs focusing on resistance training and neuromuscular control can lead to decreased pain, increased range of motion, and improved physical function in people with osteoarthritis. Moreover, stronger muscles support more efficient movement patterns, which can delay disease progression and reduce reliance on pain medications or surgical interventions. As such, muscle strengthening is a cornerstone of conservative management for osteoarthritis and a vital component in improving quality of life for those affected.

Menopause and Muscle/Joint Pain
Menopause, the natural biological process that occurs in women, has been linked to various physical symptoms, including joint and muscle pain. According to a study conducted by scientists at the National University of Singapore, joint and muscle pain are the most common symptoms experienced by women going through menopause. The study surveyed over 1,000 women in and found that nearly 70% of them reported experiencing joint and muscle pain. The study also found that the risk of experiencing such pains increases with age, with women in their 50s and 60s being more likely to experience them.
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Hormonal changes during menopause lead to a decrease in estrogen levels, which affects the muscles and joints. Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining healthy muscle and joint function. With decreased estrogen levels, the muscles and joints become less flexible, leading to pain and stiffness. Additionally, the study found that women who experienced early menopause were more likely to develop muscle and joint pain. This is because early menopause often results in a more rapid decline in estrogen levels, leading to more severe symptoms. The study also found that lifestyle factors, such as lack of exercise and poor diet, can exacerbate muscle and joint pain during menopause. Women who led sedentary lifestyles and consumed diets high in processed foods and sugar were more likely to experience severe symptoms. Overall, the study highlights the importance of addressing muscle and joint pain during menopause.

Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting millions worldwide—including office workers, healthcare providers, construction laborers, athletes, and older adults. Prolonged sitting, repetitive lifting, poor posture, or sudden awkward movements can all contribute to strain on the lumbar spine, especially when the supporting muscles are weak or imbalanced. Sedentary lifestyles lead to weakened core and gluteal muscles, reducing spinal stability, while physically demanding jobs or sports may overload the back due to improper mechanics or muscular fatigue. Over time, this can result in disc injuries, joint irritation, or chronic pain due to increased pressure on spinal structures.
Strengthening the core and back-supporting muscles—such as the transverse abdominis, obliques, erector spinae, and glutes—is a proven strategy to prevent and alleviate lower back pain. A stronger muscular support system stabilizes the spine, improves posture, and distributes mechanical loads more evenly, reducing stress on discs, ligaments, and nerves.
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