{"id":12921,"date":"2023-04-11T17:29:19","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T17:29:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yogajournal.com\/?p=110279"},"modified":"2023-04-11T17:29:19","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T17:29:19","slug":"tips-for-pain-free-exercise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yogacourseware.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/11\/tips-for-pain-free-exercise\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Pain-Free Exercise"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sure, exercise can hurt. But there are two kinds of pain: the lung-searing, muscle-burning athletic kind that makes you feel alive in your body; and the \u201couch\u201d kind that limits your ability to keep doing what you love. The limit-pushing pain you feel on a hike, run, or long day in the saddle? That\u2019s the hurt-so-good kind. The type of pain that makes you adjust your wants or needs of outdoor adventure, however, or an injury of any sort? That requires more attention and often more effort in the form of preventative measures and treatment. The good news is that both kinds of pain can benefit greatly from some simple body maintenance, plus smart gear and equipment choices.   <\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, if you experience an acute injury that doesn\u2019t improve or gets worse (compared to typical muscle soreness, which can <\/span>last up to 72 hours<\/span><\/a>), seek a diagnosis and plan from a medical professional. But, for the common aches and pains from using your body to stay active outside, the following tips can keep you moving.    <\/span><\/p>\n

Preventative Measures and Treatment Strategies<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are certain things all athletes\u2014no matter the sport or activity\u2014should do to try to prevent strains, sprains, and pains of all kinds. \u201cI like to use the term \u2018pre-hab\u2019 when talking about body maintenance,\u201d says Dr. Matt <\/span>Tanneberg, a sports chiropractor and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) in Scottsdale, Arizona. \u201cThe <\/span>idea of pre-hab is to preventatively take care of potential issues.\u201d Many of the following \u201cpre-hab\u201d strategies also apply to rehabilitating injuries. Use them to maximize your potential for avoiding the worrisome kind of \u201couch\u201d pain, so you can focus on the \u201cohhhh ya\u201d feedback type of pain that lets you know you\u2019re getting fit. <\/span><\/p>\n

Support weaknesses<\/b><\/h2>\n

Whether you have a known weakness or are coming off an injury, utilizing a <\/span>kinesiology therapeutic tape<\/span> like <\/span>KT Tape<\/span><\/a> can both mitigate unwanted pain and aid in recovery. Unlike old-school athletic tape, <\/span>this elastic tape <\/span>works by supporting the muscle or joint while allowing the affected area to move naturally, comfortably unrestricted, due to its stretchable fabric makeup. KT Tape also lifts the surface of the skin slightly which temporarily increases local blood flow to the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith improved blood flow and circulation, \u2018good\u2019 blood and cells come into the affected area to heal, and excess blood and cells are allowed to clear out of the area,\u201d explains Tanneberg, who uses kinesiology tape in his chiropractic and sports rehabilitation business. <\/span>KT Tape<\/span><\/a> provides support and stability to compromised areas similarly to a brace. \u201cHowever,\u201d says Tanneberg, \u201cthe tape does not rigidly hold a muscle or joint in one position. It adds support while still allowing the body part to function.\u201d Regularly taping an injured area can help retrain that body part to function normally, whether you\u2019re getting out of a brace (or cast), recovering from a minor injury, or simply dealing with day-to-day aches and nagging pains from your exercise routine. \u201cIt allows the body to take on more load incrementally,\u201d says Tanneberg. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"KT
Add a kinesiology therapeutic tape like KT Tape to your routine to aid in recovery from major injuries or just to cope with minor nagging pains.<\/span> (Photo: KT Tape \/ Jason Bax)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sleep and eat well<\/b><\/h2>\n

Studies<\/span><\/a> have shown that getting enough sleep can increase everything from athletic reaction time to speed, while chronic lack of sleep can contribute to increased sports injuries and illness. Not only does being well-rested cut down factors that contribute to trips, falls, or accidents due to fatigue, but sleep also allows our bodies to repair themselves from our athletic endeavors. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fueling properly\u2014with a <\/span>well-balanced diet<\/span><\/a>\u2014is imperative to athletic performance and can also help speed up recovery time following injuries. A <\/span>2020 study<\/span><\/a> published in the journal, <\/span>Nutrients<\/span><\/i>, states that m<\/span>acro- and micro-nutrients, \u201cplay an important role in metabolism, energy production, hemoglobin synthesis, lean mass and bone mass maintenance, immunity, health, and protection against oxidative damage.\u201d The study also emphasizes \u201cquality proteins\u201d <\/span>which can help muscles and connective tissues heal themselves.
<\/span><\/p>\n

Build up and warm up<\/b><\/h2>\n

Whatever your choice of endurance activity, it\u2019s important to build up to your larger goals. That progression may mean following a training plan that matches your current fitness baseline, or it may simply mean using common sense (i.e., don\u2019t launch a massive hike on your first day out if you\u2019ve spent the winter skiing). The term \u201cbaby steps\u201d applies to sport-specific activity, and a gradual build-up can help you avoid injury.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Most running coaches advise starting every run with 5 minutes of walking; it\u2019s good advice that crosses disciplines, too, if you\u2019re hiking (start slowly) or cycling (start spinning in a low gear for the first 5 to 15 minutes of your ride). \u201cWarming up\u201d does just that: It warms up your muscles, joints, connective tissue, and cardiovascular system before you kick things into high gear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Use the right gear before, during, and after exercis<\/b>e<\/b><\/h2>\n

Running, hiking, and cycling in footwear that both fits you well and suits your needs is imperative to maintain proper alignment and not be the cause of injuries. An ill-fitting bike or backpack, or even socks that cause blisters, can lead to injury\u2014a blister can impact your gait, causing localized discomfort and greater issues with imbalances and overcompensation pains (walking\/running funny to avoid pressure on the blister.)<\/span><\/p>\n

And before and after exercise? Regular strength training, a couple key recovery tools, plus stretching\/mobility exercises can keep your whole body ready for action. Runners, hikers, and cyclists benefit from strength training that targets muscles used in their sports, but also muscles that aren\u2019t so obvious, like the upper body. Keeping your whole system strong and supple (hit that <\/span>foam roller<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>massage gun<\/span><\/a>) can help ward off injuries, as can regular sports massage, physical therapy, or chiropractic treatments.
<\/span><\/p>\n

\"KT
The right recovery equipment can make all the difference in minimizing pain and injury, coupled with a proper warmup that includes stretching\/mobility exercises.<\/span> (Photo: KT Tape \/ Jason Bax)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

RICE and minimizing inflammation<\/b><\/h2>\n

For acute or chronic injuries, sports medicine practitioners have long advised rest, ice, compression, and elevation. For a sprained ankle, for instance, rest by staying off of it. Ice the injury. Add support with KT Tape and a bandage wrap or compression sock to increase circulation (products like the <\/span>KT Recovery+ Ice Sleeve<\/span><\/a> combine flexible compression and icing). Finally, elevate the injury by propping up your foot. Keeping the injury above the level of your heart (propped up with pillows), can minimize swelling.<\/span><\/p>\n

And to further mitigate inflammation, which can cause pain, consider anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, or homeopathic anti-inflammatories like arnica gels, creams, or pellets. (Ask a medical practitioner about what you should or shouldn\u2019t take for various symptoms.) Epsom salt baths can also help detoxify muscles, with plenty of anecdotal reports they relieve stress and decrease inflammation\u2014with rest and relaxation being the final key to help minimize pain. <\/span>
<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

Recover<\/b><\/h2>\n

Give your body enough time to rest between workouts, especially as you\u2019re building up to big endeavors like long hikes, runs, rides or other major outdoor exertion adventures. Sleep well. Eat well. Treat muscles with a foam roller or massage gun. Keep that KT Tape on for up to a week between workouts to stay ready\u2014and to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness between sessions. Additionally, visit a massage therapist, physical therapist, or chiropractor regularly for general body maintenance or to address any lingering pains.<\/span><\/p>\n

These preventative strategies can help both avoid excessive pain and treat it. A little body maintenance\u2014and smart strategies like strength training, foam rolling, and effective kinesiology taping\u2014can make all the difference in embracing \u2018good pain,\u2019 avoiding \u2018bad\u2019 pain, and staying active doing the things you love.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Read More:<\/strong> Unlock the Benefits of Kinesiology Tape<\/a><\/p>\n

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KT Tape<\/span><\/i><\/a> moves with you so you can crush every moment and unleash your potential. The product provides long-lasting support and pain relief for muscles, tendons, and ligaments for anyone who loves to move, wherever your adventures take you.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"Tips<\/figure>\n

How to best care for your body to keep doing the outdoor activities you love<\/p>\n

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