Exercise Physiologist for persistent pain management
Exercise for Persistent Pain Management
Exercise Physiologists (EP) are great to partner with in managing persistent pain. EPs thoroughly understand the body in motion. You can find us in a variety of settings including health clubs, public health, clinics, gyms, academia and medical facilities. Our scope allows us to assist a variety of clients, from the highly-skilled athlete to brand new to fitness to living with chronic pain. While Personal Trainers are still a great option, we have more education and practice in medical settings before beginning a career as an EP.
Exercise helps decrease persistent pain
Exercise can seem elusive to those living with chronic pain. When the body is already enduring stress, putting more on it seems counterproductive. The opposite is true! Regular, intentional movement aides both the body and brain to work more efficiently. When we perform consistent, good stress on the body, our ability to rest improves.
Exercise Physiologists help you interrupt the chronic pain cycle with optimal movement
“No pain, no gain” is a thing of the past. A well-trained and experienced EP can step up to any client and help them build strength, endurance, mobility and balance, regardless of the valid mental and physical barriers present. Under the guidance of an EP, a thoughtful exercise routine works to interrupt the chronic pain cycle, manage flares, and helps build the client’s confidence. We will work with you to ensure your exercise routine is tailored to the whole person: your age, ability, condition, knowledge and goals are all factored in when you partner with an Exercise Physiologist.
If you are thinking about starting a fitness routine, we welcome you!
Some things you should consider when interviewing an Exercise Physiologist (or a personal trainer, as well):
- Do they have experience with special populations? With people who have chronic pain?
- Are they certified by a Nationally Accredited institution?
- Does their plan for you include flexibility for flares, low energy days or a change in symptoms?
- Are they connected with other professionals for issues that may arise that are outside of our scope of practive? (Dietician, mental health professionals, physical therapists, physicians, etc.)
Our goal is to get you feeling in control of your body, maintain an independent lifestyle, and make daily life easier through a comprehensive fitness plan. We will work with your body, not against it.
Malarie Burgess, ACSM, AFEP
Malarie Burgess works in public health as an exercise specialist for special populations. She has previous experience as a coach, personal trainer, athletic injury rehab, and group fitness instructor. Find her on social media for education around joyful movement, pain management & accessible fitness:
@thejockscientist on instagram & tiktok
For more information check out the American College of Sports Medicine
