It's true that in a way I brought it upon myself. Years of fierce competition on the sporting field seemed like a good idea at the time, but I'm beginning to feel the fall-out in this body of mine, once upon a time the well-oiled machine! Aches and pains and a family history of arthritis weigh heavily on my mind as I attempt to find relief for my joint pain. Can anything be done or is this just the price I have to pay for a life of much physical activity? Well, I now believe there's relief at hand in the form of two supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin. Taken in combination, these winning supplements seem to be winning lots of grateful fans.

Our body, like a machine, has a limited lifespan and requires much care and maintenance in order to maximise its potential and ensure it lasts as long as possible. All wise mechanics and engineers will tell you that the key to a machine's output is best found in preventative measures rather than painstakingly lengthy remedies and cures. For too long I have watched the ageing, as well as fellow sportsmen and women, suffer at the hands of joint pain after years of high physical activity. On most occasions it is not our muscular or skeletal systems that give way to fatigue, but rather it is that which hinges those systems that throws up its hands - our joints!

Throughout my years of sport I always wondered if one day it would all catch up with me and that joint pain and arthritis might plague me. And then in recent years I watched my father and father-in-law, both elite sportspeople in their day, experiencing intense pain in their neck, knees, elbows and shoulders. This was not a good omen for me and I watched their medical journey with intense interest. Both were given two basic choices: invasive procedures such as joint replacements or oral supplements which were said to work for many others. They decided to try the supplements first and the results have been remarkably positive. It turns out that the key to their pain relief is two highly researched ingredients called glucosamine and chondroitin.

In basic terms, Arthritis and joint degeneration is often when the diminishing level of fluids and breakdown of cartilage that normally creates the easy sliding movement within joints, decreases and corrodes. Then grating and scraping occurs with its resultant increase in pain and discomfort.

After watching a former elite football player who once represented his nation in Rugby League struggle to put his socks on due to joint pain in knees and back, I realized with a start that it's not just the aged who suffer from arthritis, oestoearthritis, and other forms of joint disfunction. Enter: a supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin. The result for him? Saving grace. This discomfort has been reduced and the function improved remarkably.

Recent news has caused much rejoicing in the ranks of the sufferers of joint pain. Recent studies confirm that glucosamine and chondroitin do provide long awaited pain relief and much needed hope to sufferers. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the clinical trial sponsored by the National Institue of Health found that significant pain relief was achieved by arthritis sufferers who used these two dietary supplements in combination.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is also believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Chondroitin is a part of a large protein molecule that provides cartilage elasticity. The combination of both in a single supplement greatly enhances the effectiveness of relieving pain and increasing joint movement. Many users state that it can take up to two months of use until they fully feel the effects of their use. But it is well worth the wait, they say!

I strongly advise sufferers to take a wholistic approach to dealing with this problem. Don't rely just on supplements, or just on exercise, or just on an operation. Commence a daily exercise program which involves stretching (slowly) and warming up as well as cooling down. Exercise will assist keeping your joints mobile. Many gentle physical activities will assist in increasing movement. Why not try combining your exercise with a daily glucosamine anad chondroitin supplement and give yourself every chance for glorious and liberating pain relief!

Before exercise you should warm up by stretching your muscles and joints, but ensuring that you do not overstretch. Certainly do not push yourself too early in your warm-up. Aim for long, fluid movements as opposed to vigorous sharp movements. Stretches should be held for around 15 seconds. A well balanced exercise session includes various movements (dependent usually on your age and mobility), isometrics and weight-bearing activities.

There are few things worse than constant, debilitating pain. The simplest of everyday activities like cleaning your teeth, lacing your shoes, lifting up your kids and grandkids and even turning on taps, become an ordeal. Arthritis and joint pain sufferers are finding hope in a combination of two health supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin. As a long time health educator and adviser it thrills me to receive emails from join pain sufferers who have found glorious relief in these simple supplements.

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Colin Johnson highly recommends Joint Plus as arthritis treatment containing glucosamine chondroitin. Colin has been a physical instructor, drug educator, elite sports analyst and player, husband and father of five all in one lifetime! This and other unique content arthritis articles are available with free reprint rights.