Don't Let Pain Affect Your Quality of Life!

Guest Blogger - Vintage Fitness Trainer Dr. Don Fitz-Ritson

Dr. Don Fitz-Ritson is a Vintage Fitness personal trainer who has 30 years experience as a Chiropractor and Rehab Specialist. He is a chronic pain specialist and balance and mobility expert. In his retirement Don would like to help older adults relieve their pain so they can move more often and more efficiently to better their health.

Here Are Some Ways You Can Manage Your Symptoms

It's a hard fact to face. Physical pain and discomfort has put enough of a damper on the fun or even mundane day-to-day activities that you once took for granted. There was once a time where you were able to cook dinner without being interrupted by an annoying ache, or a time where you could walk the dog around the block without an urgent need to sit down and take an Advil. We understand… pain is, quite literally, a PAIN to deal with!

However, while these symptoms can sometimes get in the way of enjoying life's simplest pleasures, it's important to not lose hope. Whether you're suffering from sudden acute pain or persistent chronic pain, it's crucial to take care of your body to the best of your abilities by practicing and avoiding certain habits.

Here are some effective steps you can take to manage pain and inflammation:

• Choose the right foods.
  Diet plays a big role in the way your body feels every day. With that said, there are certain foods you should avoid that may contribute to excess weight gain, inflammation and pain. These foods include red meat that is high in fat, processed foods, corn, dairy, soda, chocolate, eggs and wheat products. Foods that are known to relieve inflammation include leafy greens and asparagus, ginger, fruits low in sugar and foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids – so be sure to include these into your diet when you can!
• Choose the right supplements.
  Some supplements are known for their ability to reduce pain naturally. One is turmeric, a natural anti-inflammatory herb, which can be taken in capsule form or sprinkled over food. Other wonderful pain-reducing supplements include Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and astaxanthin, all offered in capsule form.
• Drink plenty of water.
  A happy body is a hydrated body. Reward your muscles and organs with adequate amounts of fluids every day to avoid dehydration that could potentially amplify your pain symptoms. Beverages such as coffee and alcohol are diuretic substances, meaning they will contribute to dehydration – so it's best to avoid consuming too much of these when possible.
• Get moving!
  When you exercise, your body releases brain chemicals known as endorphins. These chemicals can significantly boost your mood and sense of well-being. This, in turn, can block the pain signals in the brain and promote overall feelings of relief. Other benefits to physical activity include reducing the risk of heart disease, controlling blood sugar levels, and keeping weight down.
  As you increase your exercise/walking, you may experience more pain, soreness and stiffness in your muscles. This is normal and should not stop you from your exercise/walking. To assist with the pain and soreness, apply ice at the end of your activity.
  Place a tissue where the pain/soreness is most acute and place an ice pack on the area for 10 mins, then remove the pack for 10 mins, and repeat (i.e. 10 mins ON: 10 mins OFF). You need to repeat it twice or three times until you feel the pain is fading away. You may use a heating pad instead, but at ATC, we advise to finish your session with ice as it gives a better effect on sore muscles. 
• Reap the benefits of regular Exercise.       
  Vintage Fitness can develop a personalized exercise program which will improve your strength, fitness and flexibility This will provide you with better mobility and quality of life.

Let me know if you have any questions or would like to book a free 1 hour in person consultation with a Vintage Fitness personal trainer. You can email erin@vintagefitness.ca or call Erin 416-951-7978.

Good Luck!

Erin

Vintage Fitness

Click to Call    416-951-7978

Vintage Fitness is an in home personal training company in Toronto, Canada.  We specialize in energizing the lives of people over 50 with exercise.