Exercising when it's Painful
Inactive muscles lose strength and flexibility as well as work less efficiently. Regular exercise provides benefits, including helping your body fight pain. For example: • Strength training strengthens the muscles around your joints, providing structural support and protection. • Range of motion and stretching exercises increase flexibility to reduce joint stiffness and help you move more comfortably. • Endorphins, which block pain signals from reaching your brain and help relieve anxiety and depression, are released when you exercise. • Exercise improves sleep, giving much needed rest to your aching joints. More energy throughout the day will help you cope with pain. • Cardiovascular exercise helps your heart and lungs work more efficiently and increase your stamina. Fatigue can make pain feel even worse. Cooler weather is around the corner which makes it harder to get outside or go to the gym to exercise. Remember the benefits of exercise and remain active.