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Increase Your Activity To Reduce Pain and Boost Energy

Don't Fear The Treadmill

While you may fear that exercise will sap your energy and increase pain, the right exercise plan can do the opposite. Being sedentary all day can make your stiff and sluggish, but taking some time to be physically active can boost your energy and relieve pain.  If you exercise regularly you can start to make more deposits in your energy bank account. 

​Increasing activity can relieve pain in a number of ways. For one, the very act of doing something starts to distract your mind from pain. Get out of the house and take a walk or gently sway to some favorite tunes as you go about your day at home.
 
Exercise also causes your body to release its own natural pain killers.   Have you ever heard of the endorphin rush that keeps marathon runners running? You don’t have to compete in a 26.2-mile foot race to gain the benefits of endorphins.

Activity Has Multiple Benefits

If you have arthritis, strengthening muscles can reduce pain by helping to support your painful, weakened joints . If you have some extra pounds to lose and exercise helps you lose those, that can help pain too. Researchers are learning that fat cells release inflammatory chemicals, so reducing excess fat in your body may also reduce inflammation that plays a role in many health problems.
 
There are many ways to get exercise. The best exercise for you is one that you enjoy.  Jogging, swimming, working out at a gym are obvious choices, but ball room dancing, gardening, cycling or walking the dog are great ways to exercise too. The important thing is to get moving.  Ask your health provider if there are exercises you should avoid. It’s is important to note the right exercises for you need to be personalized according to you unique physical needs.

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