Legacy Pain Management Center 

Movement as Medicine

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  • Pain can be really complicated. Think of it as your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right!” It’s a message from your brain and body to protect yourself.

  • Sometimes, this warning system can get too sensitive and keep going off, even when there’s no new injury. This is called chronic or persistent pain—like the alarm is stuck in the “on” position.

  • Pain can change based on what you do. If you move too much or too little, it might hurt more. Research shows that certain kinds of movement can actually help with pain and teach your body to stay active without making things worse.

Woman grabbing knee in pain
  • When you start moving more to help with pain, it’s important to know how much you should move, how often, and what kind of exercises are best to begin with. Physical therapists are experts who can help figure out what will work best for your body.
     

What’s different about physical therapy for persistent pain?

  • Physical therapy for persistent pain is different from regular therapy. It’s slow and gentle. First, the therapist will look at how you move and how sensitive your nerves are. They will also ask you about your pain, what you know about it, what makes it better or worse, and how comfortable you feel moving. They’ll help you find ways to move safely and feel better.