Why Is Strength Training Important When You're In Pain?

When I talk to my patients about the importance of cross training, the strength training component is typically what they are most nervous about. Understandably so, especially if it is a new type of exercise or if they are in pain. When pain is present, the last thing on our minds is picking up weights. However, strength training can actually help resolve pain, when performed under the guidance of a qualified physical therapist.

‍

Strength training is more than just building strong muscles to look good in the mirror. By gently loading specific parts of your body in a pain-free manner, it can restore the underlying muscular support needed for your joints to move freely and painlessly again. This specialized form of strength training is called neuromuscular activation. It's more about regaining control of the smaller muscles than pumping up the bigger muscles.

‍

As you regain deep core control and joint stability, this type of strength training should improve your mobility and flexibility, which are two goals I frequently hear from my patients. Having mobility and flexibility allows us to participate in the physical activities we love. As an added bonus, resuming physical activities can help increase blood flow to the painful areas, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

‍

Lastly, strength training can also help decrease stress and anxiety, which are often associated with pain. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) to alleviate pain and therefore, improve mood.

‍

Now if all of this still feels overwhelming, finding a qualified physical therapist is a great place to start. At Activcore, we use the Redcord suspension system to help you safely exercise. It sort of feels like you're floating on water. This is super beneficial because it allows for strength training while reducing stress on the joints. As you start feeling better, you will continue to progress from Redcord to full strength training.

‍

Our performance specialists are also available teach you how to strength train. They incorporate other specialized methods like Pilates and Gyrotonic exercise for long term success.

‍

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the opinion of the author, unless otherwise noted, and should not be taken as personal medical advice. The information provided is intended to help readers make their own informed health and wellness decisions.

BLOGS BY SAME AUTHOR

What Exercises Should I Be Doing to Prevent My Pain From Coming Back?

This is one of the most frequent questions I get asked as a physical therapist. The short answer is: a little bit of everything. But let’s talk more about this concept. As we all know, a healthy and active lifestyle is important for both our physical and mental well being. Intentional movement of any type is a great way to maintain that lifestyle.

2 Lifestyle Changes You Can Make To Improve Performance and Prevent Injury

In my last blog, I talked about the importance of cross training to prevent injury. Now I would like to talk about two additional factors for improving exercise performance and preventing injury: sleep and hydration. ‍“Get 8 hours of sleep a night!” and “Make sure you are drinking enough water!” are phrases we probably hear more often than we can count. Yes, these are important habits to build and maintain for our overall health, but let’s talk about WHY they are so important.

Why Is Strength Training Important When You're In Pain?

The Most Common Soccer Injuries and How The Redcord Suspension System Can Help

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), I see firsthand the impact injuries can have on athletes. Soccer is a physically demanding sport and injuries are not unheard of. However, I also know there are many things that a physical therapist can do to help you recover safely and prevent these injuries from happening again.

Why Nordic Hamstring Exercises are Important for Soccer Players

In my last blog post, I talked about the most common soccer injuries, and how I use a suspension system from Norway to help my clients overcome injury and get back to an active life by rebalancing their muscles. Today I'm going to talk specifically about how I apply suspension exercises to strengthen the hamstring, since this group of muscles (Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus, and Biceps Femoris) is so difficult and painful to heal from when injured.

Get To Know Me: Dr. Kate Mosteller

Yes this blog post is all about me. But really it's more about how I can help you. I chose to join Activcore because the environment allows me to provide the best care possible. The one-on-one structure gives me the opportunity to get to know my patients on a deeper level and tailor my treatment sessions to their specific needs.

What Does it Mean to be an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)?

This is a question I often get asked as a physical therapist. In this blog post, I will dive into what it means to be a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and how my specialty can help you achieve your physical therapy goals. ‍A physical therapist with an OCS board certification has gone above and beyond the typical educational requirements. I hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and have pursued additional specialized training...