Exercising and chronic pain can be like oil and water. It can be hard to start exercising if you have chronic pain, but there’s a good chance that your chronic pain condition will improve by pursuing an exercise program. But how can you overcome a chronic pain condition and begin a beneficial exercise regimen? In today’s blog, we share some tips for starting an exercise program when your body hurts as a result of a chronic pain condition.
Starting An Exercise Program In Spite Of Chronic Pain
Starting and sticking to an exercise routine that will see you become a healthier version of yourself is never easy, and that’s especially true if you have a chronic pain condition. That said, there are some ways to make it a little easier to exercise despite your chronic pain condition. Here’s how:
Get Creative – When people think of traditional exercise, they oftentimes think of a running program. Running is a great way to build your muscles and challenge your body, but it certainly isn’t the only way to exercise. Get creative when it comes to exercise and pursue an activity that you find enjoyable (or at least bearable). Consider doing some yoga, riding your bike around the city or swimming laps at the local pool.
Develop A Routine – We know that developing a standard routine isn’t always easy when you have to adapt to the challenges of chronic pain, but begin to carve out some regular time for exercise. Perhaps that means waking up a half hour earlier on Mondays and Thursdays, or stopping at the gym on your way home from work a couple days a week. Your body and your brain will slowly start to get used to this routine, which will make it easier to regularly pursue exercise.
Pay Attention To Your Recovery Period – Even if you don’t have a chronic pain condition, odds are you’ll have some soreness and discomfort after exercising. It’s important that you help your body recover after exercise so that this discomfort doesn’t linger. Eat a healthy diet, get up and move, do some light stretching and stay hydrated to make it easier for your body to recover from the rigors of exercise.
Set Attainable Exercise Goals – We’re more likely to keep coming back for more exercise if we set realistic and attainable goals. Don’t plan to exercise 4-5 times a week if you are starting a new program. Slowly begin a new exercise program and gradually push yourself to take on bigger challenges. If you bite off more than you can chew or your goals are too lofty, you can end up sabotaging your own exercise routine. Set challenging but realistic goals.
Work With A Pain Management Specialist – Finally, know that you don’t have to develop and pursue an exercise program while dealing with chronic pain on your own. Dr. Cohn and his team can help you develop an exercise routine tailored to your strengths and current limitations so that it’s easier for you to reach your goals. Chronic pain can be isolating, but you have resources that you can lean on when your pain condition makes daily activities like exercise difficult. Let us help you make is easier to pursue regular exercise in spite of your pain condition.
Exercise has countless benefits for your body, and oftentimes it can really help to lessen symptoms of a chronic pain condition. It won’t be easy to start an exercise program when everything hurts, but we know it will be worth it. For more information, or for help with a different chronic pain issue, reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office today at (952) 738-4580.