Motion is Lotion

Stephanie Korso
4 days ago
2 min read

You may have heard the phrase "motion is lotion" - but what does that actually mean?

Our bodies are designed to move. Regular movement helps keep everything working smoothly. Just like lotion helps keep your skin soft and hydrated, motion helps keep your joints lubricated, your tissues elastic, and your body feeling its best.

Why Motion Matters

Movement helps improve the function of synovial fluid - your joints' natural lubricant. This helps reduce friction, ease stiffness, and support healthy mobility. Movement also improves circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout your body.

Consistent, pain-free movement can help you:

Manage joint and muscle pain
Recover from an injury
Improve strength and coordination
Boost self-confidence
Stay active in daily life and social activities

What Contributes to Joint Stiffness?

Many factors can contribute to joint stiffness, but common ones include:

Aging - Tissues naturally lose elasticity over time.
Sedentary lifestyle - Prolonged sitting at a desk, in a car, or in front of a screen can reduce movement and increase stiffness.
Inflammation - Swelling can reduce joint space and limit tissue mobility.
Pain - Avoiding movement because of pain can further increase stiffness.

How Movement Helps

Movement promotes:

Healthy synovial fluid - This helps lubricate joints.
Improved circulation - This is necessary to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Flexibility and range of motion - This is required for joints to fully move.
Pain management - Increased blood flow and mobility helps minimize pain.

The Bigger Picture

Improved movement doesn't just feel good. It also creates a chain reaction of health benefits.

Ankle mobility → better balance → reduced fall risk
Hip mobility → improved lower body function → easier transitions into chairs and on and off the floor
Thoracic (mid-back) mobility → improved neck and shoulder function → easier driving, reaching, and lifting
Rib cage mobility → improved diaphragm function → better posture and easier breathing

The more you move, the easier it becomes to keep moving. And remember: movement doesn't have to be intense and it should not be painful. Gentle mobility, light household chores, a walk around the block, or even dancing in your kitchen can all make a big difference.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Exercise should feel good and be tailored to your unique needs. If pain is holding you back - or if you want to stay ahead of pain - Indepth Physical Therapy can help!

References

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Health lesson: learning about joints. Updated June 2025. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/educational-resources/health-lesson-learning-about-joints
Core Exercise Solutions. Pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist. June 2025.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical activity guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2018. https://odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf