Prioritizing movement health

Did you know that musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect more than 1.7 billion¹ people globally?

MSK conditions range from those conditions that arise suddenly and are short-lived (such as fractures, sprains and strains, associated with pain and limitations in functioning) to long-term conditions such as chronic primary low back pain and osteoarthritis. Poor movement health is a leading cause of ill-health across the world and empowering employers to prioritise movement health can help ease the emerging musculoskeletal health challenge. Risky health behaviours and sedentary lifestyles, often in the workplace, are at the core of this health challenge.

Good movement health is achieved when your muscles, joints, and nervous system work together smoothly.

Here’s why it’s important to improve your movement health:

Injury prevention

Correcting these issues early can significantly reduce the risk of chronic pain. A common reaction to a musculoskeletal issue is to limit movement. However, moving the joints can keep them lubricated, maintain muscle and tendon health, prevent severity growth, improve mental well-being, and lead to better outcomes.

Improved performance

Whether you’re an athlete or someone who exercises casually, better movement mechanics translate to more efficient and powerful performance. It enhances strength, speed and endurance while conserving energy. This also allows for faster recovery from strain.

Long-term mobility

As we age, maintaining functional movement becomes essential to independence and quality of life. Altering your movement health helps preserve flexibility, balance and strength. Essentially by taking care of your movement now, you’re setting your body up to move 10, 20, or 30 years from now and will be investing in a lifetime of physical freedom.

Posture and everyday function

Good movement health supports proper posture² and the ease of doing daily tasks like walking, lifting, or climbing stairs. It improves how we carry ourselves and reduces fatigue from inefficient movement. Poor posture (rounded shoulders, forward head) creates compensations, which over time lead to movement dysfunction, muscle imbalances and pain.

Mental and emotional well-being

Movement is tied to mental health³. When the body moves well and feels good, it reduces stress, boosts mood and increases confidence and motivation. Regular movement helps regulate sleep cycles and quality sleep supports better emotional regulation and cognitive function. Movement can also bring people together – in classes, teams, or group activities - which lowers feelings of isolation.

It’s important to remember that prioritizing movement health isn’t just for athletes – it’s for anyone who wants to move better, feel better, and live a more active, pain-free life. Regular assessments, mobility work, and corrective exercises can go a long way in building a resilient body.

Through workplace ergonomics, activities, breaks, incentives, or overhauling the way they view work, employers can have a significant impact on this public health risk and shift the focus to prevention.

References

1. Musculoskeletal health
2. How better posture can improve your overall health
3. Let's talk about the relationship between mental and physical health
4. Signs of strength – movement health in the ascendency