Keeping active is good for our general physical wellbeing, but it can be even more critical for chronic pain sufferers. Research has shown that exercise helps improve our mental health, and if we have good mental health we can have less pain. For some chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, exercise is vital in reducing stiffness, pain, fatigue and sleep problems.
If you have been cleared to exercise by your physician, think about a travel exercise plan that will work for you. If you don’t have a physiotherapist you see regularly, make an appointment. They should be able to develop a stretching program that caters to your travel needs, including stretches you can do on the plane.
Be vigilant in your exercise program leading up to the trip, as you need to be at your physical best when you travel. And take your yoga mat with you, so you can do some stretching at airports while you wait for your next flight.
Your body will thank you.