Regular exercise is important when we are well, and it is critical when we have a chronic illness. Chronic pain and other illnesses place limitations on our physical functioning. When we are healthy, not being at the top of our personal potential for physical conditioning does not significantly restrict us. We can be out of shape and still function in normal activities. This often is not the case, though, when we have a chronic illness. Here we need to pay extra attention to exercise, so as to retain a normal range of functioning and/or to avoid further physical decline.

A person who has a chronic illness should be in the best physical condition possible. It is for this reason that physical therapy programs for chronic pain often provide training in home reconditioning exercises.

Stretching and strengthening exercises directed at restoring or maintaining physical functioning following an injury or hospitalization, or to counter disease, fall under the category of rehabilitative exercises. Following periods of disuse, muscle mass and tone are decreased, tendons can constrict-decreasing mobility, and problematic joints can become more stiff and painful. To counteract this, physical therapists prescribe particular rehabilitative exercises to stretch, strengthen, and ensure mobility of specific and general problem areas.

When rehabilitative exercises are followed regularly, they can often do wonders to counteract what many people fear is the beginning of a steady, downhill course. When you start these exercises, there will probably be some discomfort as areas not used to exercising are stretched and strengthened. Communication between you and the physical therapist is very important to ensure the best possible exercise program. You should discuss any concerns or questions about the exercises with your physical therapist or doctor.

When people have some physical problem such as pain or stiffness that varies from day to day, it's common to try to do too much on good days and too little on other days. You need to pace your activities and exercise so that you gradually build up strength and mobility. This will allow you to avoid aggravating your condition. You should also use proper body mechanics when bending, lifting, or reaching to avoid worsening the condition. Physical therapy includes instruction on these points.

When one clearly understands pain;
when one absolutely knows
the proper treatment, then one can offer to any patient
personal pain management that works.
This is my specialization.

-Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O.