D O G H E A LT H
MANAGING PAIN WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Managing pain with physical activity - that sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? I know when I am sore the last thing I want to do is hit the gym or go for a run. So why should physical exercise be part of a regular pain management protocol?
INACTIVITY AND PAIN When we or our dogs are sedentary, we don’t use our muscles, so over time our muscles become stiffer, smaller and weaker. If we don’t use them for a long enough time, they may even begin to atrophy altogether. Weak muscles are at risk of injury. When you are eventually forced to use these muscles, perhaps a friend invites you for a game of squash or you take your old dog out for a walk, it is likely that both you and your dog will be sore in the morning. Inactivity also leads to bone loss. Weakened bones are at risk of breaking. Further, not exercising regularly leads to a reduction in joint range of motion and flexibility, which causes stiff, painful joints. Then, a sedentary lifestyle also weakens the heart and diminishes the body’s ability to use oxygen effectively. Finally, inactive dogs and people are prone to carrying excess weight, which places extra stress on the muscles, joints (such as the knees and spine) as well as the heart muscle. When new clients come to see us with their animal companions, we often prescribe an increase in moderate, daily exercise at home to help reduce pain and help our patients feel better. What never ceases to amuse us, particularly with our more elderly clients, is that when we ask for feedback as to how the patient is doing, they often report that their dog is doing much better, but that they too (the clients), are also feeling much better. That is because exercise is so important for managing pain in all animals – humans included! Why is physical exercise such a key ingredient in any pain management programme? This article explores the importance of physical exercise in reducing pain. 42
All of these factors together often result in feelings of chronic pain. This is the start of a vicious cycle, because when we are in pain, we find it much more challenging to motivate ourselves to move, let alone exercise. It’s no different for your animal companion. When your dog, cat or horse is sore they will want to move less and less which only makes the situation worse. This is where you come in. Incorporating regular physical activity within your routine will benefit you and all other participating members of your household.
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