Skip to main content
Call Us Request Appointment

Does stretching help with chronic pain?

Louisiana Pain Specialists Blog Does stretching help with chronic pain?
Does stretching help with chronic pain?

When in chronic pain, it may seem impossible to stretch, but proper stretching exercises are far more beneficial than you think.

First of all, you have to understand the source of the pain. For example, you might be suffering with chronic pain in your upper back and between your shoulders. Unless you do stretches to open up your chest muscles, the pain will never be released. That may not seem to make sense on the surface, however, you must understand the source of your pain and how pain radiates to other parts of the body. You’ve heard the old adage, “when your feet hurt, your whole body will begin to hurt.” That statement exemplifies how pain radiates to other body parts.

There is not just one cure all stretch to alleviate chronic pain.

A variety of stretches are required to alleviate chronic pain and keep it at bay. Just as in strength training, you would not want to do the same stretches daily as you would not want to work out the same muscle group daily. Various stretches in a proper stretching regimen will release the chronic pain over time in conjunction with proper treatment from your physician. Remember, chronic pain can be indicative of a more serious health condition. Breath intentionally, meaning slowly and deeply. This will slow your heart rate, sending oxygen to the muscles and relaxing them. While concentrating on your breathing, stretch lightly and hold the stretch, then gently release the stretch. Where the injury has occurred, begin stretching the muscle groups individually surrounding the injured area, gradually working towards the injury. Work in various stretches daily in this pattern, and eventually you will begin to experience a release in muscle tension and a decrease in the amount of pain overall. Be mindful that inappropriate movement or lifting heavy weight can easily bring about the pain again.

We serve the Metro New Orleans area at five different locations:

in Kenner at 231 West Esplanade Avenue, Suite B; in Metairie at 3434 Houma Boulevard, Suite 301; in New Orleans at 3439 Prytania Street, Suite 501; in New Orleans East at 5621 Read Boulevard; and in Marrero at 4520 Wichers Drive, Suite 205.

While we participate in most insurance plans, our insurance specialist will confirm your coverage prior to attending your appointment.

To make an appointment to learn how our physicians can alleviate your chronic pain, call (504) 267-1185. An appointment is required at all 5 locations, so join us at a location near you!

 

You Might Also Enjoy...