Exercise plan for chronic pain
Engaging in an appropriate exercise program is an essential component of physical rehabilitation following injury and in pain management. So if you are stuck in a cycle of pain; going from exacerbation to painkillers and never making improvement; our goal is to give you a plan and strategies to escape the cycle. The right exercise program can help with chronic lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, knee and hip pain. ​
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Exercise Physiology treatment is an “active modality” whereby the patient is instructed to perform specific exercises aimed at improving strength, flexibility, movement patterns, coordination, stability, balance and physical capacity. An exercise physiologist will not only set a specific program for you at your level but also take into consideration other lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your condition and preventing progress.
Ultimately, incorporating exercise into your treatment is about building confidence, moving beyond the fear and developing a healthy and positive relationship with your body and how it functions.
Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia
How We Get Results
1. Education
When you work with Empower, you will experience an emphasis on education to assist in understanding the underlying processes driving pain and injury. In our experience, this makes treatment more effective. For many people, lifestyle modification is essential to breaking the cycle of pain and rehabilitation from injury.
2. Progressions and Pacing
The primary goal of engaging in exercise for pain management and injury rehabilitation is to improve function. This involves progressive exercise. Exercise is prescribed at your level and you have progressed appropriately. An important part of this process is returning to pre-injury activities, whether recreational or work-related. Often these things are exacerbating factors and must be taken on in small doses and built up over time. This is described as "pacing" and is different for everyone.
3. Focus on Function
An intervention prescribed by an exercise physiologist is always aimed at improving overall function. In this sense, "function" is defined by a number of physical attributes including strength, movement control, coordination, endurance and flexibility to name a few. These physical attributes will ultimately improve one's physical capacity.
4. Collaboration
We are mindful of the benefits of other treatment modalities that may be aimed at managing pain or improving mobility. These interventions could be provided by physiotherapists, massage therapists, psychologists, general practitioners and other medical specialists. We will actively communicate with your other treatment providers to ensure your treatment is provided in a collaborative way.
