Are you in pain?

Almost every client I work with has some sort of pain. Some have shoulder, some knee, some back, some have arthritis. Sometimes when we have pain it causes us to limit our movements, however studies show that movement actually helps decrease pain. Once we overcome that initial "I don't want to move" junk, we realize just how helpful movement can be! Sometimes even if we aren't in pain, we simply don't want to move. We think "if I exercise I'll be sore" or "a ten minute walk isn't going to do any good". We have to fight those thoughts and GET MOVING! Check out the following info regarding exercise and pain:

Exercise Helps Decrease Pain

Exercise is indispensable for all pain patients. It has a variety of effects on your body that helps block pain.

How does Exercise decrease pain?

Exercise boosts the output of endorphins. Endorphins are substances your body produces to fight pain.

Exercise increases the brain's supply of serotonin. Serotonin is a very important substance. Serotonin is a substance that aids the flexibility of blood vessels. This is important because when blood vessels are flexible, they are less likely to cause painful irritation. Serotonin also improves your mood. (When you are in a good mood, pain feels better than when you are in a bad mood). Serotonin also fights pain in the brain. It fights pain by blocking the brain's perception of pain. Serotonin also helps regulate your sleep cycles. If you are in pain, it is important to get enough sleep so your body can properly combat the pain.

Exercise helps stabilize levels of estrogen. Estrogen is a sex hormone that can interfere with serotonin.

If you are interested in the benefits of exercise and how exercise can reduce your pain, consult your doctor and set up an exercise program that is conducive to your condition.

Exercise Reduces Pain from Arthritis

A report issued in the August 2002 Journal of Rheumatology reports that therapeutic exercise can help reduce pain and improve physical function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee, according to a recent literature review.

Ever heard the saying, "Move it or lose it"? Don't let pain rule your life.

Eat Intentionally,

Cindy