Whether you’ve developed acute pain from a recent sports injury or you’ve been dealing with chronic pain for years, you’ll want to alleviate the discomfort that you feel. The easiest and most tempting option in either scenario is to reach for pain-relief medicines.
However, this is not always the right option since it can lead to medication over-reliance and eventual addiction.
On the other hand, you can combat pain without relying heavily on medicines by applying these tips:
Improve your diet
Did you know that every food you intake can actually have an effect on your overall pain levels? Red meats and processed meats, for example, activate the inflammatory processes in your body, and this could lead to more pain.
As soon as you can, switch to healthier food that can support your immune system while maintaining your inflammation levels down.
Boost your diet with foods that are high in antioxidants (like whole fruits and dark green leafy vegetables) since they have an anti-inflammatory effect on your body. If you like salmon and other types of fatty fish, add them to your meals since they contain omega-3 fatty acids and can strengthen your immune system.
Do gentle exercises regularly
If you love sports or are used to heavy exercises, it’s time to modify your routine and give your body the chance to rest and recover. If you usually don’t work out, it’s recommended to start exercising since it encourages your body to heal.
Either way, the best thing to do is to be consistent with gentle exercises that improve your blood flow and deliver oxygen and nutrients to your cells. Do activities that would not overwork your muscles and joints and cause more injuries.
One great option is swimming since it allows your body to move without exposing it to excess strain. If you’re not fond of the water, consider taking up yoga, which helps prevent further joint and cartilage breakdown while improving your strength and balance.
Reach out to a physiotherapist
Look for a trusted physio in Wetherill Park, NSW, and schedule an appointment ASAP once you find one. Physiotherapists specialise in both acute and chronic pain. Instead of relying heavily on pharmaceuticals, they use tried-and-tested ways like exercise therapy and manual therapy to minimise the feeling of pain.
They also customise every treatment plan, but that would depend on the patient’s specific condition, which means that your physio appointments will be tailored according to your personal health needs and goals. With their assistance, you’ll experience significantly lower pain levels and enjoy a better quality of life.
Master breathing exercises
You might not realise it, but knowing deep breathing exercises can actually help with minimising chronic pain since it engages not only your nose and lungs but also your diaphragm and abdominal muscles. This activates your body’s parasympathetic system and results in a calmer nervous system, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and reduced pain sensations.
Dealing with pain — whether it’s acute discomfort or chronic aches — isn’t a walk in the park. Fortunately, by signing up for physiotherapy and taking other steps, you can keep pain at bay and lead a fulfilling life you deserve.