Movement: The Key to Overcoming Pain

The Paradox of Pain: To Heal, You’ve Got to Move!

When we’re in pain, the natural instinct is to sit still, avoid movement, and wait for the discomfort to go away. But here’s the truth: staying sedentary can often make things worse!

Movement is the key to healing, not just rest. Whether it’s chronic back pain, sore joints, or muscle tightness, the solution is often paradoxical—you need to move and strengthen to find relief!

Here's 5 ways in which both movement & specifically lifting weights helps:

1. Strengthens Weak Areas: Pain can sometimes stem from imbalances, instability, or weakness. By building strength - particularly in muscles that haven't received a great deal of attention over the years - you create a more resilient body that can handle the challenges of daily life better, helping reduce the pain long-term.

2. Improves Blood Flow: Movement, especially weight-bearing exercises, boosts circulation. Increased blood flow helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to injured tissues, promoting faster recovery and reducing inflammation.

3. Releases Tension & Increases Flexibility: When you lift weights or engage in mobility work, you not only strengthen muscles, but also improve flexibility & reduce tightness. Easing that tension helps eliminate the stiffness that can often cause or worsen pain.

4. Builds Confidence & Reduces Fear of Movement: Pain can lead to a fear of movement, creating a vicious cycle of inactivity and more discomfort. By gradually incorporating movement and lifting, you retrain your body and mind, building confidence that you’re stronger and more capable than you think!

5. Boosts Endorphins: Movement and strength training release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This not only lifts your mood but also helps alleviate pain in a natural, sustainable way.

Remember: Pain doesn’t mean “stop.” Movement can often go along way for improving how your body feels in both the short & long-term. 

Start with light movements, focusing on your technique, & gradually increase the intensity. Over time, your body will adapt; becoming stronger, more mobile, and more resilient.
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Sitting and waiting for pain to go away rarely works. Take control, move intentionally, and watch your body respond!