Chronic
Pain & Tension
It is perfectly normal to go through life experiencing some sort of pain or muscle tension.
When it becomes a problem, is when it starts to affect how we live our lives.
Are we avoiding certain movements because it hurts?
Do we push through certain movements and think this is normal?
Moving and exercising should feel good.
It shouldn't cause you pain. May it cause some muscle soreness up to 48 hours after? Yes, but that is not pain that is conditioning and it shouldn't last more than 48 hours.
Muscle soreness that last for more than 48 hours is overtraining and this can do more harm than good.
When it stops feeling good and you find you are waking up with muscle cramps, have increased muscle tension or your neck, hips, knees, backs and shoulders hurt,
that is when you should ask for help!
Question is who do you ask for help?
In order to feel lasting change and achieve optimal wellness,
consider incorporating these 4 Principles.
1.
Seek out Manual Therapy from Health Care Professionals
This may include:
Manual Osteopathic Practitioner
Registered Massage Therapist
Physiotherapist who focuses on manual therapy
Chiropractor
2.
Seek out Active Therapy from Health Professionals
Registered Kinesiologist are experts in this area.
Physiotherapist who focuses on teaching/training prescribed exercises.
Clinical Pilates
3.
Move your Body Everyday
Avoid staying in one position for more than 30 minutes at a time.
Walk everyday - start with 5 minutes 3 times a day and gradually increase
(Frequency is more important than duration or intensity)
An exercise physiologist can help develop and progress your program accordingly.
4.
Do Strengthening Exercises with Caution
Reconditioning your body out of pain requires a slow and steady mindset.
Frequency should be 2-3 times per week for the average person.
Finding the right exercises for your current functional capacity will be key.
A Registered Kinesiologist will help you develop and progress your program accordingly as your functional capacity improves.