Chronic Pain - Can I Still Exercise?

I have chronic pain. Is it okay for me to exercise?

Are you in pain? Do you feel unsure about the movement you should be doing? We have seen different scenarios throughout the years where individuals have asked, "Is it OK for me to exercise with chronic pain?" Many times, a general practitioner will begin sending his patients with chronic pain (nothing acutely wrong)  to begin exercise programs. It may sound kind of counter-intuitive to add movement to an already painful existence, but it may be just what the doctor ordered.

Not Your Average Candidates

We have known many individuals in the past who have differing circumstances, keeping them from participating in exercise.  In most cases, when asking their doctor, they were told, "Go exercise!" One of these was waiting on a kidney transplant.  Another was born with a congenital heart defect, having many open heart surgeries in her lifetime. Her condition is such that she is not even a candidate for a transplant -- she was recently diagnosed with an incurable respiratory disease and Fibromyalgia as well.  The doctors still told her to exercise!  She is working on increasing her strength and flexibility; she is feeling better and doing a great job with her regimen!

Obviously, there are conditions that are acute and exercise is NOT recommended. But after a doctor’s clearance, just get started! Realize there are other people out there struggling with hurdles like you. You simply need to make up your mind to start and then take one small step at a time.

Redefine your success from looking good in a bathing suit to becoming a strong, healthy person. You may define success as being able to go to the grocery store without becoming exhausted. That goal is simple, attainable, and measurable.  

The best thing you can do for yourself is exercise! Many people have pains that actually are a result of being overweight, having a lack of strength, or simply not moving enough.  These are things that we can change together - you can make that change today!

Please share your struggles and successes so we can keep encouraging each other!