讀後心得

Chronic pain refers to physical pain that persists or recurs for more than three months. Even though the tissues have healed, the pain may continue due to changes in the nervous system and psychosocial factors. Treating this type of pain requires interdisciplinary integration, and exercise is an effective relief method. Exercise can maintain flexibility, promote cardiovascular health, build muscle tension, and improve mood, helping individuals regain control of their lives. For those who have reduced their activity due to pain, a customized exercise program is crucial. Physical therapists design appropriate exercises based on the individual's condition to improve mobility and pain management. Sustained, moderate exercise combined with relaxation techniques can help overcome chronic pain and make life more manageable.

Why do doctors say that the tissue has healed, but I still feel pain? If pain persists or intermittently appears for more than three months, it is referred to as chronic pain. Even after the normal healing time of the tissue has passed, pain can still be felt, and there may be recurring pain even in the absence of a clear cause. The source of pain may not only be related to underlying physical tissue damage, but also to changes in the nervous system and psychosocial factors. Therefore, the treatment of chronic pain requires interdisciplinary integrated interventions.

Long-term pain can affect daily activities and may even lead to disabilities. How can one regain control of life without fearing pain? This can be achieved through a gradual exercise program. What are the benefits of exercise in alleviating chronic pain? In 2019, the World Physiotherapy Alliance highlighted the theme of chronic pain on World Physiotherapy Day (September 8 each year) and mentioned that exercise can help people regain control of their lives affected by chronic pain in the following ways:

• Helps maintain flexibility and mobility
• Crucially important for cardiovascular health
• Assists in building and maintaining muscle tension
• Improves mood and overall well-being
• Controls pain through exercise and enhances confidence in daily activities
• Regains control of life and reduces feelings of fear

Exercise is clearly very important, but how can those who already feel pain start exercising? For chronic pain patients, to avoid re-injury, they often choose to reduce activity, which may prevent the muscles in the injured area from relaxing or becoming weaker, reducing joint mobility and exacerbating pain. Therefore, physical therapists will create individualized exercise plans for each patient based on the condition of tissue healing, and will incorporate equipment and manual therapy as needed to decrease tissue sensitivity to pain, improve mobility, and ensure that the body moves in a correct and pain-free posture.

In the early stages of exercise, chronic pain patients usually experience muscle fatigue or joint stiffness, so it is recommended to start with small amounts of exercise. Initially, the muscles that have been inactive for a long time can perform simple isometric contractions, with the therapist guiding the joints through gentle movements and stretches within a comfortable range. As the intensity of the exercise gradually increases and with appropriate rest, the body will slowly adapt. During and after exercise, pain may slightly increase, but as long as proper relief measures are taken, muscle soreness typically subsides within two to three days, and the intensity of exercise can be adjusted if necessary.

Once the correct muscle tension is established, joint stability will improve, enabling better handling of daily activities. Throughout the exercise process, patients can gain a better understanding of their body's capacity, optimizing daily activities and work arrangements. By persisting in appropriate exercise, combining relaxation techniques, and maintaining good sleep habits, one can ultimately overcome chronic pain and lead a more comfortable life.