Chronic pain management
12 week program supervised by an accredited KinesiologistWhat is Chronic pain and is pain normal?
Chronic pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience that is a common problem affecting many individuals. Individuals who are living with chronic pain may experience more than one type of pain that can be categorized into neuropathic, nociceptive, inflammatory, musculoskeletal, psychogenic and mechanical. It often presents due to a disease or an injury, however, it is not just a symptom - it is a condition of its own. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, chronic pain is defined as pain that has persisted beyond normal tissue healing time and generally lasts longer than 3 months when other factors are not present.
Pain is a normal reaction. That alerts people to stop what they are doing and deal with the injury. This response is normal and doesn’t necessarily relate to the amount of tissue damaged. When dealing with chronic pain, the pain is perceived by someone for a long and persistent period of time. It is important to understand the cycles of persistent pain and why the nervous system uses pain to protect the body.
Some people experience this pain, for a longer period of time after the healing process of an injury. The perception of pain can be affected by memories, emotions and beliefs. If one believes that a certain movement will produce pain, the brain will be hyper-aware of every sensation while producing that movement. Seeing as we have control over our brain, we can train our brain to bring the pain threshold back to normal levels.
The importance of exercise for chronic pain
When dealing with chronic pain, the nervous system never seems to quiet down. The nerves are always in the “excited” mode, and this can always cause pain during any movement and exercise, however it doesn’t necessarily mean it is causing harm.
Exercise will help in the long term by improving muscle tone, strength and flexibility. Exercise may release endorphins, which may reduce the perception of pain. The exercising muscles release chemicals that block pain signals from being sent to the brain.
It has been shown that a lifestyle with little movement and exercise, can increase health risks for people with chronic pain. However, involving movement and exercise can help “calm down” the “excited” nerves. More importantly exercise will improve energy levels, mental health, the client’s quality of life and increase community participation and greater social involvement
Exercising safely with chronic pain
Ultimately, exercising while remaining safe is the goal for people living with chronic pain!
Encourage those to start slow, just by moving their body a bit more than normal. Increasing movement trying to make small progress over a long period of time is a great way to start.
If someone living with chronic pain does not know where to start or does not know what his/her limitations are because of their pain, seeking help from an exercise professional is ideal. As a WillKin Kinesiologist, you will be able to help them understand potential contraindications to exercise and help them feel at ease and confident while exercising.
Topics covered during the Chronic Pain Program
- Goal Setting
- Pain Education
- Exercise and Pain Education
- Breathing
- Core Strength
- Meditation for Pain Management
- Mindset and Pain Relationship
- Nutrition
- Alternative Medicine
- Developing and Maintaing New Habits
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