Definitions of chronic pain range anywhere from pain lasting longer than 3 months, 6 months, or a year. However, anyone with pain that has lasted longer than a few weeks understands how debilitating it can be. Chronic pain may limit a person’s movements, reducing flexibility and strength leading to difficulty carrying out important or enjoyable activities.

This post will focus on benefits of low-impact exercise for relief of chronic pain. MedLinePlus.gov defines chronic pain as pain that has lasted more than 12 weeks and often persists for longer. Where those with chronic pain often benefit from exercise, exercise should be limited or avoided with acute pain caused by an injury to allow the body to heal.

This blog post is not intended to replace care by your primary provider. This post is to have you start thinking of how physical activity, specifically focused on low-impact exercise, can positively impact your health.

Why move?

Why should I exercise? I don’t want to. There is not enough time in the day. It hurts too much the next day. I hurt too much now.

If these statements or replies sound familiar, you are not alone. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reports that only 1 in 3 adults get the recommended amount of physical activity each week and more than 80% do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.

However, the importance of movement within a healthy pain management plan cannot be over-emphasized. As outlined in Pain Management 101, exercise and physical activity is the “lotion” to promote smooth functioning. Small movements such as daily stretching can also strengthen muscles and increase functioning.  …

Healthy Living with Chronic Pain: Low-impact ExerciseRead More »