5 Tips To Help You Increase Your Energy and Say Goodbye to Pain
If you have recently been dealing with pain and are searching for lasting relief, our physical therapists (i.e. physiotherapists, chiropractor, and massage therapists) are here for you. With a personalized physical therapy plan, you may be able to discover highly efficient ways to treat your pain and improve your overall energy levels.
Our physical therapists focus on providing our patients with the care that promotes healing and injury prevention. Please contact our office today to learn more and arrange your first appointment with us.
In the meantime, here are five helpful tips we have put together that you can use to generate more energy and alleviate acute or chronic pain!
Are you ready to feel your best? Follow these tips!
1. Increase your physical activity levels
When you are in pain, it might be instinct to curl up in the fetal position. But that’s the worst option you can choose. Most of us underestimate how critical it is to move around daily. This is something physical therapy will make very clear to you!
Forcing yourself to get up and walk around a bit every hour is a better choice, even if you just take a simple walk around the room or to the end of your work’s hallway. This can help relieve your pain immensely and give you an extra energy boost.
2. Stop the prolonged positions.
Changing your sitting or standing postures frequently, or even changing from sitting to standing frequently, can make a massive difference in your overall health. If you have to sit, avoid prolonged slumped positions over a book, desk, or your computer at work! Alternate between upright and relaxed sitting positions. Your physical therapist will be able to guide you toward postural habits that will help relieve pain and pressure.
Furthermore, a physical therapy program can help you improve your strength and capacity to tolerate any posture you choose, and this is something you can carry out long term.
3. Pay attention to ergonomics at your desk
The way you sit and how things are positioned around your workstation can have a massive impact on your pain and energy levels. Your physical therapist might recommend modifications to your workstation that may help you work more efficiently, reduce pain, and conserve your energy.
Some modifications may include things like chair height and depth, armrest position, desk height, types of desk, computer placement, types of keyboard or mouse, where your telephone is, or even the use of a headset ro name a few things.
Sometimes if you work for a big company, they retain the services of an ergonomist who can professionally make these recommendations for you.
4. Practice deep breathing
You’re breathing all the time; however, is it focused breathing? We’re guessing it probably isn’t!
Every few hours, make sure you take a moment to yourself to stop, shut your eyes, and breathe. Breathe in deeply through your nose. Make sure your lungs are as full as possible, and then breathe out through your mouth. Let a bit of air out through your lips by keeping them lightly pursed, and focus on nothing but your breathing for a few minutes.
Deep breathing stimulates the Vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) and promotes relaxation through your parasympathetic nervous system (i.e.. the rest and digest system), and preserves your energy for times that you will need it. You’ll be shocked at how much of a difference it can make with your energy and stress levels!
Your physical therapist will show you how practicing focused breathing techniques can help relieve your pain and give you an energy boost during the day.
**NOTE: Other parasympathetic nerve practices that help balance your nervous system, and are easy to do, include humming or singing, laughing, or splashing cold water on your face.
5. Drink enough water
Drinking enough water will prevent you from dehydrating, and this will allow you to avoid muscle cramps, headaches, fatigue, and constipation. It is recommended that we drink about an ounce of water for each pound we weigh each day! That seems like a lot, but it normally averages out to be around 7-8 glasses.
You will notice that the more water you drink, the less pain you feel, and the more energy you have.
Water is always the healthiest drink option, so make sure you keep a full bottle or thermos near you at all times during the day.
Call our physical therapy clinic today
Be sure to use the tips above to add to your customized physical therapy plan for optimum results. If you’re ready to learn more about how healthy eating and exercise may bring back your energy and alleviate irritating pain, we’re here for you!
Physical therapy – physical therapy, chiropractic, or massage therapy – is a safe, healthy, non-invasive way to recover from injury or illness and get back to feeling your absolute best.
Contact Leaps and Bounds Performance Rehab today to arrange a consultation with a licensed physical therapist!