Can Fitness Help Chronic Pain?
Living with chronic pain can feel like a constant balancing act. Whether it's longstanding back pain, aching knees, or persistent shoulder discomfort, many people find themselves stuck in a frustrating cycle of pain, reduced activity, stiffness, and even more pain. As an osteopath, I regularly see patients who feel like they've tried everything—manual therapy, medication, rest—but are still searching for a longer-term solution.
One powerful, often underestimated tool in managing chronic pain is exercise! When that exercise is guided by an osteopath who is also a qualified personal trainer—especially one with a deep understanding of injury and rehabilitation—the results can be life-changing for some.
The Chronic Pain Cycle.
Chronic pain affects both the body and the mind. Physically, people often move less to avoid aggravating symptoms. Unfortunately, that reduced movement leads to deconditioning: muscles weaken, joints stiffen, and the body becomes less resilient. Over time, everyday tasks feel harder and more painful.
Psychologically, chronic pain can lead to fear of movement (known as kinesiophobia), anxiety, low mood, and reduced confidence. It's easy to feel trapped.
But there's good news: research consistently shows that progressive, appropriate exercise is one of the most effective tools for managing long-term musculoskeletal pain. It promotes physical resilience, enhances mobility, and improves confidence in your body.
Where Personal Training Comes In...
You might wonder—if I'm already seeing an osteopath or physiotherapist, won't they do my rehab?
The answer lies in continuity, progression, and support. While osteopathy can help reduce pain, improve joint mechanics, and address restrictions, exercise is what helps maintain those gains and build long-term strength and function so you don't need to keep going back for more treatment all the time! Our skilled practitioners can take you from "feeling better" to actually being better—stronger, more mobile, and less reliant on treatment, tailoring your treatment and rehab journey to your specific needs!
Here's how our specialised personal training can support someone with chronic pain:
1. Confidence and Guidance
Many people with chronic pain feel unsure about how to exercise safely and we can help to take the guesswork out. We'll assess your current ability, listen to your history, and create a plan that's challenging but manageable. Knowing that your exercise plan is safe and tailored to your needs can massively boost confidence, especially when your PT is an osteopath too who knows how your body works!
2. Building Strength and Resilience
Targeted strength training can reduce pain sensitivity and support joints, especially in the spine, hips, knees, and shoulders. For example, strengthening the glutes and core muscles can ease lower back pain, while shoulder and upper back work can relieve neck tension. We can ensure you build strength in a structured and progressive way and help you avoid re-injuring yourself.
3. Restoring Function and Movement
Chronic pain often limits range of motion or alters movement patterns. Over time, this can create imbalances and further discomfort. With a deep understanding of biomechanics and rehab, we can help you restore natural, efficient movement through mobility drills, corrective exercises, and functional training.
4. Accountability and Motivation
Chronic pain can zap energy and enthusiasm. On difficult days, it's easy to skip exercise altogether. Here's where we are in your corner—someone who encourages you, tracks your progress, and adjusts the plan when needed—can make all the difference in staying consistent for those longer term gains. Not only that, we've been through it ourselves so we know exactly what you're feeling like!
5. Holistic Wellbeing
Exercise isn't just about the body—it's a proven booster of mental health. Regular movement helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep, all of which are commonly affected by chronic pain. It's not unusual for people to report that, even if their pain hasn't completely disappeared, they feel far better overall thanks to a consistent exercise routine.
Fitness and Chronic Pain: It's not just One-Size-Fits-All!
It's important to note that exercise for chronic pain shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person with knee pain may aggravate it in another. That's why working with us and using our knowledge of injury recovery can provide the tailored support you need.
We always start where you are, not where a textbook says you should be, because you're a human after all. We respect your limits, celebrate your progress, and adjust the plan as your body adapts to ensure you get the most from your plan.
A Combined Approach
As both an osteopath and a qualified personal trainer, we believe the most powerful results come from combining hands-on treatment with movement-based rehab and progressive fitness. Manual therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve mobility, while strength and conditioning build long-term resilience and independence.
If you're living with chronic pain and feel stuck, don't give up. There is a path forward—and with the right support, it can lead not just to less pain, but to greater confidence, strength, and wellbeing.
