Reducing Tension When Living With Chronic Pain -

A man is having a massage and they are concentrating on their shoulder and neck muscles — Image credit

Reducing stress and tension from your body when in pain isn’t as easy as it sounds. When you live with pain day in and day out, being able to relax becomes more difficult as you learn to navigate the pain and figure out how to improve your life to accommodate this.

However, by proactively creating an action plan to manage your pain levels and the stress it can cause, you can take control of your situation. This can lead to an improved quality of life and a sense of empowerment, even if it doesn’t directly alleviate your pain.

Stretch

When you’re in pain, it’s natural to hold your body in specific ways or limit movements to avoid exacerbating the pain. However, this can lead to stiff joints and muscles, worsening your condition unintentionally. Simple stretching can provide relief, helping you to avoid tension in your muscles and any additional pain.

Begin with gentle, simple stretches that lightly engage your muscles, then gradually advance to more intense stretches and mobility exercises. This approach can help you prevent stiffness and soreness from tense muscles.

Massage

While a massage may not be your first choice when in pain, a manual massage can effectively manipulate your muscles and release tension and stress. This is particularly crucial if your chronic pain stems from an injury, as it can aid in your recovery. Whether you opt for a remedial massage, hot stone, deep tissue, or shiatsu massage, the choice is yours. However, it can be a valuable addition to your pain and stress management toolkit.

Meditation

Meditation can be a powerful tool for releasing stress from your body and mind. The act of clearing your mind and focusing on the here and now can enable you to relax and ease out of your current situation or position to see the way forward. If it’s your mind holding you back from relaxing or your pain levels, being able to centre yourself via meditation can be an excellent tool to help you move past any blocks you have and focus on relaxation.

Exercise

Exercise can be a liberating tool for chronic pain sufferers. It not only helps you retain your mobility and strength but also releases endorphins that make you feel good. This can impact your stress levels and allow you to relax and relieve tension in your body, giving you a sense of freedom and hope.

Yoga is a great, simple exercise that can be done. It is great for movement and flexibility, which in turn helps to support relaxed muscles and reduce stress. Strength training can build muscle, help you become stronger and fitter, and reduce joint pain. Active exercises like running and swimming can help you switch off, move your body, and benefit from the aerobic benefits of exercise.

You can assist your body in relaxing in many ways when in chronic pain. If you are struggling with increased body tension that impacts you physically, these tips can help you reduce or eliminate this.