One of the most frustrating aspects of pain management that Florida patients encounter is how to stay active. When it hurts to use your body, it’s not easy to stay fit and figure out what exercises won’t cause additional suffering. Exercise is always crucial to maintaining health, so trying the following workouts is essential (1). Two quick notes before we begin:
- Respect your body’s pain threshold. A little pain is okay, but don’t overdo it.
- It’s safest to develop your pain management exercises with a physician.
Exercise #1: Walking delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body. Also, it’s a form of low-impact aerobic exercise, which studies have found to be ideal for relieving chronic pain. Shifting the body repeatedly between two positions – called “reciprocal motion” – is naturally calming. Try biking and swimming as well, which share this trait. Plus, for proper pain management, Atlanta physicians advise breaking it up throughout the day to avoid straining yourself with one lengthy walk.
Exercise #2: Stretching is something that is fairly simple and can be performed throughout the day. The goal is to get better range of motion and loosen your muscles. Stretching will help you reduce the physical stress of day-to-day motions. It’s best to stretch after warming up your body a bit.
Exercise #3: Strength training may sound daunting just by its name. However, you can go easy on yourself to get started. Use light weights, and give yourself plenty of time. Also, you don’t have to fully extend the body part you are strengthening: decrease the range of motion in these pain management exercises.
Exercise #4: Yoga can be extraordinarily effective to reduce pain over time. It also helps you improve the way that you breathe (to enhance calm, better deliver oxygen, and improve your posture). A study in The Journal of Pain Research specifically found benefits with Hatha yoga. A Tufts University study saw similar positive results with tai chi. Try various pain management exercises to see what is best for you.
Exercise #5: Day-to-day chores, strangely enough, can be helpful for pain reduction. People often make the mistake of cutting down excessively on activities. Keep your body moving. Always modify, though, as needed.
For anyone in need of pain management, Florida physicians and natural health practitioners have joined forces to create Weston Medical Health Center. Take advantage of this local opportunity to receive a customized treatment plan combining pain management, conventional physical therapy, and massage. Contact Weston Medical Health Center for more.
Sources:
(1) http://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/best-workouts-chronic-pain-and-fibromyalgia
