Exercising with chronic pain can be a real pain in the neck… and back, and hips, and knees, and pretty much everywhere else. But fear not, my dear reader, because there are ways to make exercising with chronic pain a little less painful and much more fun. Here are some tips and modifications to get you started:
- Find exercises that work for you: Just because your friend loves running marathons doesn’t mean you have to either. Everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. So find exercises that work for you and your body. Maybe it’s swimming, yoga, or even just going for a walk.
- Listen to your body: This is probably the most important tip of all. Your body knows what it needs, so listen to it. If you’re in pain, take a break. If you’re feeling good, push yourself a little harder. It’s all about finding the balance that works for you.
- Modify exercises: Just because you have chronic pain doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. You may just need to modify the exercises to fit your needs. For example, if you have knee pain, try squats with a chair for support. Or if you have back pain, try Pilates which focuses on your back. Your local Physiotherapist may have some sessions available.
- Take it slow: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a healthy body. Take it slow and don’t push yourself too hard. Start with small, manageable goals and work your way up from there.
- Laugh it off: Exercising with chronic pain can be frustrating and even painful at times. But don’t forget to laugh it off. Maybe you fell over during yoga class or your exercise band snapped in your face. Whatever it is, find the humour in the situation and keep going.
In conclusion, exercising with chronic pain can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. With a little bit of creativity and a lot of patience, you can find exercises that work for you and your body. Remember, laughter is the best medicine (although maybe not for the pain) and make sure that you contact your health professional before you try anything.