When you live with pain, it can limit you from doing daily tasks and activities that you enjoy. Fortunately, there are some simple tips you can incorporate into your daily life, in order to decrease your pain and increase your energy. By doing these in tandem with your physical therapy treatments, you can recover faster and reach your physical goals with ease! For more information on steps you can take to reduce your pain and boost your energy, contact US Rehabilitation and Health Services today.
1.Learn to manage your stress.
While we are aware of the mental toll that stress can take on us, it can also exaggerate physical pain as well. Because of this, it is important to keep some stress-relieving techniques at the back of your mind for when you need them. A warm bath is a great way to simultaneously relieve stress and soothe any aching muscles or joints. Breathing techniques can also help you relax by calming your mind and body. A simple way to do this is to take in two or three deep breaths, releasing them slowly through your nose every time.
2.Get your endorphin boost.
When you exercise, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers. It may seem difficult to exercise when you are experiencing aches and pains, but even light movement can provide much-needed relief. You can also boost your endorphins by sniffing a soothing lavender scent, listening to your favorite music, or even eating chocolate. Win/win!
3.Sleep the right way.
Did you know that approximately ⅓ of your life is spent sleeping? Because of this, it is important to make sure that your mattress is right for you. The mattress you sleep on can affect the way your body feels when it’s awake. Since everyone sleeps differently, it is recommended that you choose a mattress according to your sleep style:
- Firm mattress. If you sleep on your back, a medium-to-firm mattress will help with those backaches.
- Soft mattress. Side sleepers generally benefit from a softer mattress, as it is easier on their sides.
- Memory foam. If you toss and turn all night, or if you switch positions repeatedly, you may want to try out memory foam. It may help you stay in one place, as it forms to the shape of your body.
4.Eat energy-boosting meals.
The food you eat is what fuels you throughout the day. Certain foods can provide you with more energy, in addition to relieving the pain you feel. A few of these include:
- Hot peppers. This spicy treat has been known to relieve arthritis pain. Even if you aren’t a fan of the spice, a serving as small as half a teaspoon could help bring some relief.
- Ginger. The ginger plant has been known to relieve pain from migraines, as well as muscle aches and nausea. It is typically used as a spice and can be easily sprinkled into a meal.
- Salmon. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, which help to relieve neck, back, and joint pain.
- Cherries. Cherries increase antioxidants, which can relieve pain and inflammation.
5.Get help from your physical therapist.
Our licensed physical therapists can provide several treatment methods that can help you relieve your pain and increase your energy. Our services aim to address pain at its root, in order to provide long-term pain relief. Some common methods our physical therapists are trained in include:
- Massage therapy. A physical therapist is highly educated on painful areas of the body. Through massage, he or she can manipulate your painful muscles and joints, thus reducing inflammation and providing relief.
- Ice and heat therapies. Heat works to warm the muscles and tendons, making movement easier and less painful. Ice works to reduce inflammation, also providing soothing pain relief.
- Aquatic therapy. Water can stimulate nerves and provide resistance for exercise and strength training. It allows for easier movement, which can ease the stress on your body.
- Ultrasound. Ultrasound produces sound waves that can assist in blocking pain signals to the brain.
By adding the steps above into your daily life, you should find a significant reduction in pain and improvement in energy levels. For further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule a consultation today! We’ll get you started on a treatment plan that will help you achieve your goals and live the pain-free life you want!
Tags: physical fitness, physical therapist, health, energy, wellness, health and wellness, arthritis pain, Ultrasound, Aquatic therapy, Massage therapy, physical therapy