4 Types of Common Pains and the Exercise You Should Do to Relieve Them

Many of us have mild, achy pain as we move around in our daily activities whether it be a slight low backache, a mild throbbing knee, or stiffness in our shoulders. It is tempting to lie in bed, but that could make the problem worse.

It feels counterintuitive, but exercise can improve your pain. Your workout regime may just be too intense, not hard enough, or a key exercise could be missing that would allow you to move with greater ease. If you have a medical condition or injury, you should talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Here are several key exercises that might be missing from your program:

1. Bridges can help ease discomfort with walking due to gluteal weakness, especially if you spend hours sitting.

Gently loop a strap around your ankle and lie on your back. With your knees comfortably bent, gently pull on the strap to slide your target heel toward your buttock enough that you feel a stretch in the front of your knee. Return to your original position and repeat. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 10 repetitions on each leg.

 

2. I’s, T’s, and Y’s can help decrease shoulder pain due to poor posture from having a tight chest with weak and overstretched muscles around our shoulder blades.

How to perform: Lie on your stomach on an exercise ball. Squeeze your shoulder blades together to extend your arms with your thumbs pointing up to the ceiling and slowly lower… that’s an I. Then extend your arms out the side and lift up… that’s a T. Finally, extend your arms in a Y shape and lift. Perform 2-3 sets of each letter.

3. Bird dogs can decrease back pain due to poor posture or inactivity by strengthening your back muscles and core.

How to perform: Get on your hands and knees in a tabletop position with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Engage your abdominals by squeezing your belly button into your spine. Lift your opposite arm and leg while keeping your back from arching or rotating. Focus on not letting your rib cage sag. Perform 2 sets of 10 on each side.

4. Squats can help build your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf strength and are a great exercise for the whole body.

How to perform: Stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips and toes pointed about 10 degrees out. Push your hips slightly back then bend your knees to “sit” as deeply as possible, ideally trying to reach parallel. Keep your heels drilled into the ground and your knees driving out. Do not let your knees go past your toes. Return to standing. Perform 2 sets of 10.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Try Before You Buy: Exploring Assistive Technology

From a simple magnifying glass to voice-activated smart devices, technology is everywhere, and the right tools can support daily routines, connectivity with family, and safety within the home. However, with all the options available, how do you know what technology is right for you? And, once you find a device, what type of model and features should you choose? See how Sheltering Arms Institute’s Assistive Technology Lab can help.

Caring for the Caregiver

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor the dedication, compassion, and resilience of caregivers. Whether caring for a loved one recovering from trauma, illness, or injury, caregivers play an essential role in the healing process. However, caregiving can be overwhelming and emotionally demanding. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help caregivers take care of themselves so they may care for others.

Diet Tips to Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other health complications. A healthy lifestyle of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and diet can help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. When it comes to your diet, the best one to follow is a dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, or similarly, the Mediterranean diet. Learn specific dietary changes you can implement to help lower blood pressure.

Heat vs. Ice – Which is Better for Your Pain?

Are you experiencing pain or swelling, but are unsure if you should reach for an ice pack or a heating pad to find relief? Choosing the right therapy can help relieve discomfort and promote healing. Learn when to apply cold or heat to get the best results.

Coping with Anxiety After A Stroke

It’s common for stroke survivors and their family members to feel anxious after a stroke. So much changes so suddenly. As a stroke survivor myself, I certainly experienced anxiety: in the hospital, at the rehab center, and after I returned home. Not only were my physical and mental abilities different, but my family had to adjust as well. From coping with uncertainty to rebuilding daily routines, learn how to manage post-stroke anxiety and regain a sense of control.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.