Exercises for Pain Relief

Movement is medicine! That might sound hard to believe if you have chronic pain, since sometimes even getting out of bed in the morning can be a challenge. But the truth is, exercise is well-supported by scientific research as an effective way to relieve pain and improve overall health.

Of course, when it comes to pain management, not all exercises were created equal. Keep reading to see which exercises we frequently recommend to help patients enhance their pain management treatment.

1. Yoga and Tai Chi

Yoga and tai chi are ancient Eastern exercises proven to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, all of which can improve pain-related conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. These exercises also focus on deep breathing, which has been shown to lower inflammation (a major component of chronic pain) and trigger the release of natural painkillers in your nervous system.

Even a simple and customized stretching routine can alleviate pain caused by tense muscles and scar tissue.

2. Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises

Walking, swimming, and cycling are some of the best exercises you can do to boost bone health, joint health, strength, and endurance. These exercises can alleviate pain by restoring mobility, increasing circulation, and delivering more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the tissues in your body (including joint cartilage, spinal discs, ligaments, and tendons). Like yoga and tai chi, aerobic exercise also activates the body’s natural pain-relief system.

Low-impact activities like brisk walking even counteract other issues related to chronic pain. For instance, these exercises can elevate your mood, help you lose weight, decrease inflammation, and lower your risk of other chronic health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

3. Strength Training

Resistance exercises – with equipment or even your own body weight – can relieve pain by increasing muscle strength and enhancing the stability around your joints. The key here is proper form and engagement – any resistance exercise needs to be done correctly in order to get the most out of the movement and avoid injury.

Ready to Get Moving Again?

At Integrated Pain Solutions in Columbus OH, our pain management team uses a variety of treatments to help our patients regain mobility and lead a healthier lifestyle. Contact our clinic today at 614-383-6450 to schedule an appointment!