Flourish eMAG Apr 25 - Flipbook - Page 26
Q
Why
Are
Doctors
Telling
:
1
N
O
I
T
S
E
U
Me to Exercise?
Exercise can be bene昀椀cial
for pain. Physical activity is
important for those suffering
from chronic pain for the same
reasons it is bene昀椀cial for
everyone else:
•
It is proven to protect
against the development or
worsening of various health
conditions, including heart
disease, type 2 diabetes,
lung diseases, osteoporosis,
dementia, depression,
anxiety, and some cancers.
•
It helps maintain 昀椀tness
and strength, supporting
continued enjoyment and
independence in daily
activities.
•
It improves longevity and
quality of life.
More importantly, exercise
has been scienti昀椀cally proven
to help manage pain. If your
medical practitioner or allied
health professional advises you
to exercise, it is because this
recommendation is backed by
evidence and has the potential
to make a signi昀椀cant difference
in managing your chronic pain or
injury.
:
2
How Does Exercise
N
O
I
T
QUES
Help with Pain?
One of the most fascinating aspects of exercise
is that it can address multiple factors
contributing to pain, auch as sleep, mental
health, and muscle tension.
•
•
•
Researchers suggest that exercise may have a
protective role in preventing persistent pain
due to its effects on the nervous and immune
systems.
Exercise increases heart rate and releases
endorphins, often called “happy chemicals.”
These natural painkillers share the same cell
receptors as opioid pain medications.
Other bio-chemicals released during
exercise—such as dopamine, serotonin,
adrenaline, and nitric oxide—can block pain
signals.
•
Exercise can improve sleep quality, which is
crucial as poor sleep can exacerbate pain.
•
Stress can biologically amplify pain; exercise
is a proven method for managing stress.
•
Certain exercises provide immediate relief
by altering load distribution in the body and
increasing awareness of different sensations.
•
Long-term adaptations to exercise increase
load tolerance through muscle and joint
strengthening and enhance psychological
resilience to discomfort.
