Exercising with Chronic Pain: How Do You Do It?

I’m usually bed-ridden. Even walking is too much, but you should definitely try joining a pool and doing some swimming! It’s really light on your joints and muscles. Even so, I’d start slow. Just spend some time in the water and you can work up to swimming laps or whatever your body can handle.

Personally I stretch throughout the day. I probably look like a weirdo cos i do it everywhere. First thing in the morning before I walk my dog after I have some tea. I have found that using elastic bands really helps. Well, I have brittle bones too. But I put my hands above my head with the elastic band and stretch my arms to one side at a time and it helps pop my joints and helps my shoulder pain and seems to help for a while atleast. But I still have pain throughout the day. But any relief is good relief. I don't have much down time either because I work and have a child. I also lay on the floor and twist side to side, like, left leg to the right and right arm to the left all the way and vice versa helps my back a lot. Also when I'm in the car I hold onto the steering wheel with both hands and pull my shoulders back. That one makes me sigh with relief, it feels so good. Good luck.

I can totally relate. I try just walking, but I haven’t done that in a few weeks now. I’ve been too flared up.

I've seen a comment like this one already, but you gotta take some water aerobics classes at your local pool! It's a "non-weight bearing" exercise, so you're not fighting against your own body weight. I just came back from a class and I feel soooo good. You deserve to feel happy in your body. Don't worry about running a 5 minute mile off the bat.

Listing weights or using elastic bands in bed has been great for the days where I just can’t get up. I also like swimming like others said! I also enjoy using machines or a recumbent bike at the gym in days where I feel okay. I only stay for ten minutes and do very little, but it’s a lot better than nothing!

Swimming is my best bet but the water can't be too warm or too cold or I lock up

I've been trying to figure that out myself.. if u r in constant pain how in the world would u exercise if it even hurts to stand sit or walk

I do chair exercises on T.V. swim when I can and walk to the mailbox and back. Don't judge yourself according to others, just do what you can do. Gentle stretches. Small meals and drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Sending prayers and love your way. 🙏🏼❤️🌹

Me too😥

I can totally relate to wanting to exercise for health and weight, but it too causes tremendous pain. Exercising in a pool is a great way to do it, I just don't have regular access to one. Good luck!

I have to be very careful with exercising, due to my EDS. However, that being said, the only exercise I've found that works is swimming/aqua therapy and going lightly on my stationary upright bike. Most days, I'm basically bed-ridden due to pain, and any form of physical activity is laughable. I am fortunate enough that my mother has a pool at her place, and I drive the 1.5hrs (one way) to stay with her a few days and use it. Being in water helps me because it's so low impact, it makes me lighter, thus less stress on my joints, and the cool water is relaxing and helps my swelling. I know not everyone has the luxury of access to a pool, but if you're able to find an aqua therapy program, or even join a local gym or a YMCA, I would think that's your best bet. Hang in there ❤️

Before we got a puppy and he took up all of my free time, I was walking 10 minutes 3x daily. If I tried 30 minutes in one go, it was a disaster. Once the pup fits into his harness, I'll go back to walking. My doctor says I'll probably be able to build up to more time, but I have my doubts.

Try to do stretches right on your bed. Find a local pool and try swimming. I am a chronic pain patient and lost over 100 lbs swimming. And when I hurt more than usual I push my self do some stretching on my bed. Baby steps but you got to push through.