Resist the Pain Cycle
Many of us know exercise is good for our health. “Motion is lotion” as some may say. However, sometimes injuries and pain can prevent us from doing our favorite exercises, and so ensues the unfortunate cycle of pain. When our bodies feel pain, our brains subconsciously tell our bodies to stop that movement. From there, our bodies become less accustomed to that movement and additional activities may seem more difficult or painful. The cycle continues with fear avoidant behavior and progressive deconditioning. The best way to break that cycle is to introduce safe and effective resistance exercises to retrain, stabilize and support the area.
Benefits of resistance exercise go far beyond that of reducing pain and improving function of an injury or site of pain. It has physical, psychological and social benefits. Resistance exercises may:
Reduce risk of sports injury
Improve athletic performance
Enhance endurance, power and speed
Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Regulate hormones including cortisol, testosterone and growth hormone
Improve bone health, particularly in post-menopausal women
Improve sleep
In some situations, there may be questions on the safety of resistance exercises. Below are a few populations that have been studied and shown to benefit from resistance exercises.
Pregnant women: Exercise is recommended during pregnancy and can reduce prenatal and postnatal discomfort. Exercise may also lower blood glucose levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. It may also prevent gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia
Children/adolescents: Injury from resistance exercise in this age group is rare, especially when well educated and trained
Autoimmune disease: Some studies have shown that resistance exercise may improve quality of life in individuals with fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis
We understand the challenges and uncertainty when beginning or reintroducing exercise. We will support you through these obstacles and give you the tools necessary to reach your goals. Schedule an appointment with us for specific resistance exercises catered specifically for you and your lifestyle.
Dr Chelsea Shultis
