Exercise for Persistent Pain
Persistent pain is not always debilitating- but it can be.
While it might not be debilitating, persistent pain can affect your everyday life from your sleep, to your daily activities, your ability to move and exercise, and your mental health. It is pain that you’ve experienced for more than 3 months but you may have had it for years. It may come and go and be worse at times.
Addressing persistent pain with movement and exercise
I get it. It might feel like the last thing you want to do, but trust me- the right movement can really help. Our bodies response to pain or injury is unique and varied and it’s seldom that two people have the same physical or emotional response. This is where an assessment of not just your signs and symptoms but also your alignment and movement patterns is important. Movement really is medicine and the right exercise prescription can help you manage symptoms, move better and get back to the activities you love.
If you have:
Persistent muscle aching or pain
Niggly or painful joints with or without movement
Hypermobility
Fibromyalgia
Neck pain or headaches
Arthropathies
Back pain- upper, mid or lower
Persistent pelvic pain
Plantar facsiitis
Then you may benefit from an individualised exercise program.
What to expect (aside from a bit of fun):
Step 1
Firstly, we begin with an initial assessment. We start with a chat to get to know each other and I learn all about your circumstances, health status, signs, symptoms and most importantly, your goals. I collect relevant measures such as blood pressure to ensure you’re safe to begin exercise. Then with your consent I take photos and videos of your posture and a few movement patterns (nothing strenuous) for later analysis and comparison. I complete any necessary physical tests that help me to get an overall picture of your body.
Step 2
We discuss the findings of your assessments and how they may contribute to your signs and symptoms and movement recommendations. Knowledge is power and it often really helps to understand the mechanisms behind your experiences and strategies outside of exercise (or adaptations to your current exercise) to help manage them. It’s often hard to absorb and remember everything we discuss, so I will email you a summary after your appointment. Bring all your questions to the appointment or email me after.
Step 3
Together, we make a plan that suits you. I understand that life circumstances can make accessing healthcare difficult, but that you also might need that ‘supervision’ and accountability of exercising one to one with me. Most clients choose a combination of home exercises and in-clinic sessions, but whichever way you go, know that you are never on your own between appointments. My exercise delivery program provides comprehensive videos and instructions and allows you to contact me with questions and feedback.