Sore No More!: Managing Pain Through Exercise

Sore No More! is designed to help relieve many types of pain, but being based out of an outdoor recreation mecca like we are, often it gets used specifically for exercise-related pain. Rock-climbers, mountain bikers, marathon runners, and many others use Sore No More! to manage their post exercise aches and to keep their muscles feeling limber.

On the other hand, exercise can also be used to help you manage your chronic pains or day to day muscle tension. While we don't advise that you go out tomorrow and run a marathon without training first, beginning some light weekly exercise can improve your quality of life.

How Does Exercise Help You Manage Your Pain?
Most of us know that exercise can loosen up tense muscles and help balance our bodies, which can decrease pain and make us feel better all around. There are exercises that target specific areas (i.e. shoulders) that can keep the pain in those areas manageable by keeping the muscles toned (as in resistance training) or loosened (as in stretching.)

However, exercise also releases endorphins, serotonin, and is thought to help balance hormones.

Endorphins produce a similar affect to opiates in the body and are often what people inadvertently refer to when they say they get a 'natural high.' They are credited with being pain-relieving, feel-good chemicals produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Endorphin release is increased while exercising, giving you a much-needed break from your pain and providing a valuable tool in your pain-management arsenal.

Serotonin is found in the Central Nervous System. It's a 'feel-good' chemical, the lack of which is often associated with depression. It's been found to regulate mood, appetite, sleep patterns and even muscle contraction! Exercise increases Serotonin production which can help you feel better all around!

All in all, exercise can be a valuable asset when trying to manage your pain, so why not get out of the house today and go for a walk around the block? Apply a bit of Sore No More to your problem areas before you go and by the time you're back home you'll have the boost you need to finish your day!

We suggest you speak with your doctor before starting any strenuous exercise program.

Check back next week to get recommendations on basic stretches, cardio, and resistance training that may help you manage your pain!