Are there specific exercises that can help with pain relief?

When chronic pain flares, gentle exercise is a great painkiller. In this Health Smarts video, fitness expert, Mike Clark, DPT, explains how exercise releases endorphins for natural pain relief and shares the 3 best workouts to try.

Transcript

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Resistance training-- these workouts build joint-supporting muscles to reduce chronic pain. They include weights, resistance bands, water exercises, or even

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your own body weight. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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Hi. I'm Dr. Mike Clark with a surprising pain relief tip for you. If you have any type of chronic pain, exercise might be the last thing you feel like doing.

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But it pays to move. Workouts can encourage your body to release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.

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Regular exercise also helps you manage your weight. This also is helpful because extra pounds tend to aggravate the pain.

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Here are three options. Lower impact aerobic workouts. In one study, people with knee osteoarthritis

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who participated in a walking program felt less pain after eight weeks. Stretching. Studies have found that yoga and Tai Chi

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can enhance your flexibility and range of motion to soothe pain. Resistance training. These workouts build joint-supporting muscles

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to reduce chronic pain. They include weights, resistance bands, water exercises, or even your own body weight.

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Talk to your doctor to find out the best activities for you. [AUDIO LOGO]