Video:
Event on “Busting Myths on Pain & Pain Management” held onNovember 17, 2022. Speakers: Dr Sneha Thakur, MDS, Co-Founder Resolve360.
Dr Shivani, Physiotherapist, Team Leader, Geriatric Rehabilitation
To watch video, click on link: https://youtu.be/MSkeWVk8y98
Article:
Older Adults Who Exercise Experience Less Joint & Muscle Pain
As we age, we seem to develop a lot of aches and pains but older adults who exercise regularly feel fewer aches and pains than other people their age who are less active. Studies show that exercise helps in managing chronic pain. In fact, bed rest and immobility for more than 2 days are not beneficial, and in geriatric population it appears to be detrimental.
Physical activities like Tai chi and Yoga have shown significant improvement in prevention and control of pain. Tai chi seems to be an effective intervention in osteoarthritis, low back pain and fibromyalgia (a rheumatic condition characterized by muscular or musculoskeletal pain with stiffness and localized tenderness at specific points on the body). Studies show that Yoga is an effective adjunctive treatment for chronic low back pain. Other known physical activities like swimming and walking have shown to be effective in decreasing pain and improving function.
Exercise is also very beneficial for people who already have arthritis. A program that includes a balance of three types of exercises - range-of-motion, strengthening, and endurance - can relieve the symptoms of arthritis and protect joints from further damage.
Exercise also:
· Helps maintain normal joint movement
· Increases muscle flexibility and strength
· Helps maintain weight to reduce pressure on joints
· Helps keep bone and cartilage tissue strong and healthy
· Improves endurance and cardiovascular fitness
· Helps in preventing ill effects of immobility
· Prevents joint stiffness & muscle tightness
· Helps in blood circulation.
Before exercising
Consult your doctor and familiarise yourself with the parameters (type, frequency, duration, intensity) of the therapeutic exercise he recommends for pain relief. The exercise parameters will change relating to your pain conditions, age, psychosocial factors, and health status.
Please ensure that any pain management exercises are done under supervision of your doctor and physiotherapist.
- Compiled by Anita Natu
Sources:
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Exercise_and_Activity_in_Pain_Management