When you’re in pain of any degree, it can be tempting to avoid exercising. But inactivity leads to stiffness and low stamina as well as reduced strength and range of motion, all of which can exacerbate existing chronic conditions. Regular exercise is shown to improve our overall health, reduce pain and boost our energy and overall quality of life.
We have put together a selection of exercises that you can try at home, all that are gentle and suitable for those with existing conditions. We recommend beginning any exercise routine slowly and monitoring your symptoms mindfully so that you find a regime that supports your wellbeing, helps you manage your ongoing condition and lets you notice any changes in your pain. By beginning your regime at home you control to decide the right duration, time of day and intensity at which to try the activities.
It is important to work with and consult your physical therapist or doctor when embarking on a new regime of exercise, and to remember that it isn’t a ‘quick-fix’ but rather part of an ongoing self-care regime that you can create to support the management of your condition and overall wellbeing.