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Chronic pain involves symptoms of prolonged pain and fatigue, leading to an inactive lifestyle. However being inactive can increase your levels of pain and fatigue, leading to deconditioning of the body. Deconditioning can make you more prone to injury and put you at risk of more severe health problems.

Breaking the pain cycle can be difficult, especially if your body has been in pain for quite some time. Sometimes people feel their attempts at exercise cause more pain and lead to flare ups, avoiding exercise and turning to rest. Even if there is discomfort in the beginning, retraining your body and remaining active will be beneficial for your health and wellbeing in the long term. 

Exercise works best when delivered as part of a multi-factorial approach. This includes sound knowledge and education about your condition, physical activity and the pain experience. The body and mind love movement, where gradually becoming more active is essential for treating and managing chronic pain.  Recent evidence shows people with chronic pain reported moderate exercise decreases pain, fatigue, stress and symptoms. It also improved perceptions of health, physical function and aerobic fitness. Other studies have shown low intensity exercises such as walking and pool exercises improved joint and muscle pain, improving the ability to carry out daily activities.