The Key to Pain Management: A Stronger Core

It is estimated that up to 20% of U.S. adults experience back pain within the course of a year, and up to 80% of adults experience back pain over the course of their lifetime. Time spent sitting in front of the television, working on the computer, driving in the car and attending class or meetings is largely stationary, involving little if no movement at all. Much of today’s society is spent engaging in physically inactive activities.

Our bodies naturally counteract physical inactivity by tightening up. This can lead to stiffening, joint immobility and pain overtime. In some cases, postural issues can develop. Fortunately, good personal training can help counteract inactivity and its negative impact on the body.

Individualized exercise is also an effective way to reduce and manage pain in people who have been injured or who are recovering from injuries. Personal trainers help develop and implement corrective exercise strategies for optimal recovery. Flexibility and compression techniques may be utilized to reduce muscle tension. When it comes to personal training for pain reduction, there are two main steps to follow.

1. Retrain the joint.

By retraining the joint, you are improving your mobility, meaning you can move in larger motions without pain.

2. Reinforce the area.

This involves strengthening your muscles. Strong, supportive muscles help alleviate pain. And any likelihood of future pain resulting from injury is greatly reduced.

Exercises that increase both flexibility and core strength, like pilates and yoga, are particularly valuable for pain reduction. Even isolated muscles that go unused in relatively active individuals can be cause for pain in certain areas.

Neck and back pain, shoulder pain and knee pain are all common ailments that can be greatly improved with good personal training.  Neck and back pain is alleviated with large, controlled motions of the spine. Knee-to-chest exercises help relieve pressure stemming from spinal stenosis or narrowing areas of the spine. Resistance training targeting the muscles around the scapula helps in the recovery of rotator cuff inflammation or tears in the shoulder area. Tendon tightness and overall weakness of the knee can also be overcome with personal training for pain reduction.

Serious pain is no joke. If you have a chronic condition, you need an individualized exercise plan tailored to your needs for optimal safety and results. Our team of personal trainers is highly experienced in corrective exercise and how it can be utilized to heal from and prevent further injury. Take the first step towards pain reduction with a stronger core. Sign up for a free session with Core Results Personal Training today!

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