Movement has proven to improve the life quality of humans in many ways and as we get older, the need for some level of physical activity increases. One of the many reasons being that consistent body movement can provide pain relief to aching older bodies.
There are various reasons and causes for the presence of physical pain in the lives of older adults, some of the causes include;
- Cancers
- Bowel disease
- Urinary tract infection
- Fibromyalgia (a condition characterized by widespread weakness and other symptoms)
- Circulatory problem
Due to various misconceptions about aging and pain, over 13% of older adults are under-treated for pain. Research also shows that older people are less likely to report pain, because they think it’s a natural part of aging, or they don’t want to be a nuisance to the medical staff. It is paramount that you visit a medical professional whenever you experience pain. There are many reasons why pain occurs, some of which have been listed above. Hence, medical screening is needed to identify the actual cause of the pain.
Physical activity helps to alleviate pain related to the bones and joints and there are various at home exercises that are effective in aiding pain relief. In this article, we will explore five at home exercises for pain relief. They include;
- Walking: Walking is a simple yet powerful way to improve and maintain one’s health, walking helps strengthen the bones, keep blood pressure in check and even lift the mood. You can begin by working for 10-15 minutes at least 3 times per week, with a well fitting and supportive pair of shoes. And over time, you can improve by walking faster and farther until you are walking for 30-60 minutes almost every day of the week.
- Stretching: If you suffer from chronic pain in the neck and or lower back, then stretching might be a good type of physical activity to invest your time. Stretching is effective in relieving tension and stiffness in the body. Yoga is a great form of stretching, it is effective in treating not only back pain, but also the stress that comes with it, as well as building mind-body connection. All you’d need is a yoga mat, and some space.
- Strength Training: This exercise is extremely effective in building strong muscles which help support the spine, a well supported spine helps to prevent strain injuries. Just like any other physical activity, it is advised that you start small and slowly work your way up. It is also recommended that you consult a medical professional before commencing any exercise routine. They will help to ensure what type of exercise is best fit for your body.
- Swimming: Swimming is another great way to take strain off painful joints, as the buoyancy of water supports the body. In addition to relieving painful joints, swimming can help increase mobility and flexibility, it also improves cardiovascular health, strengthening the heart and lungs. Also as an aerobic activity, swimming contributes to the release of endorphins(“feel good” chemicals) in your brain, reducing stress, anxiety and boosting overall well-being.
With any exercise routine it is always a good idea to listen to your body, consult a medical professional to understand your body better, and find physical activities tailored to you and your lifestyle. By simply committing to at least 10-15 minutes of physical activity three times per week, you will tremendously reduce your physical pain levels and improve your overall well-being.
At Vitalis Healthcare, we offer personal care services tailored to older adults who need assistance in their daily activities, without the continuous nursing care provided by a nursing home. Our personal care aids assist with activities such as range of motion exercises, intake/output measurements, meal preparation, specialized diets and nutritional support.
At Vitalis Home Healthcare, we understand the assistance and support older adults need in maintaining and improving their overall well-being. We have meticulously curated various services to cater for those needs. If you are experiencing difficulty in managing your health, just know you don’t have to do it alone. Vitalis Healthcare is here for you, contact us today!
Phone Number: 240.716.6874
Email: info@vitalishealthcare.com
Locations: We provide our services in every county in the State of Maryland, United States of America.
Office Address: 8757 Georgia Avenue Suite 440 Silver Spring, MD 20910
Submit your review | |