When every part of your body is screaming for mercy, it’s hard to imagine doing anything, let alone something that makes you hurt more. So why do something that goes against every instinct?

Without movement, you’re stumped. Literally. You could become as stiff as a log. The stiffer you get, the more pain you’ll have. Within 20 minutes of not moving – fuzz develops – see fuzz speech Step 3

So lets turn the fuzz around. But, and that’s a big BUT, you need to get clearance from your healthcare provider. A LITTLE pain with the exercise is fine. DO NOT OVERDO IT. And yes – I am shouting. GO SLOW.

Pain BC has a great program for Gentle Exercises at Home.

Here is a great blog post on whether you should exercise when you feel pain. Is it safe to exercise when I have pain?

Not convinced? Listen to this podcast Live PainBC. And look out for the new Gentle Movements Program. If you are in BC – click on the link. There should be You Tube videos soon.

Tai Chi is a great place to start. Here is a standing posture that you can do for a couple of minutes. Alternative Treatments

Yoga helps your body in many ways. It decreases pain and improves overall health. If chair yoga is too much, try bed yoga below. When doing chair yoga – make sure you can see your toes over your knees.

Start very slowly. Do only one exercise of each and then breath – see Step 2 for breathing. Don’t start by doing the whole program. Even if you have worked out all your life. MUST BE DONE TWICE A DAY so you can break the program up.

Another guide for movement if you are severely ill is one catered to patients with cancer. The advice would apply to someone in chronic pain. Try this link Moving through Pain.

A why to build stamina, lower fatigue, and eventually improve pain is by improving your posture. Try this link to Posture.