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Moving with chronic pain

If you live with chronic pain, moving often feels like a challenge. Every movement can be uncomfortable or even cause extra pain. Yet moving is actually one of the best ways to get your symptoms under control. It keeps your muscles strong, makes your joints more flexible, and gives you more energy. In this blog, you’ll read what chronic pain is, why moving is so important, how to build it up safely, and how the MotiMove app can help you with that.

In this blog you’ll read

  • What chronic pain is 
  • Why moving is so important 
  • Tips for moving safely 
  • How MotiMove helps 
  • Frequently asked questions 

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three months or keeps coming back. It can involve pain in muscles, joints, or nerves. Sometimes there is a clear cause, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, but your nervous system often plays a role as well. With chronic pain, the pain signals in your brain and nerves become more sensitive, which makes you continue to feel pain even when there is no direct damage anymore. This doesn’t make the pain any less real, but it does show why rest is often not enough to get better.

Why is moving so important?

Many people think that rest is best, but sitting still can actually worsen symptoms. Moving helps your body in different ways:

  • Stronger muscles: less pressure on joints.
  • More flexible joints: less stiffness and more freedom of movement.
  • Better circulation: waste products are removed more quickly.
  • Natural pain relief: your body produces endorphins, which reduce pain and improve your mood.

Tips for moving safely with chronic pain

  • Start small: better to do 5–10 minutes daily than an hour every now and then.
  • Choose movements you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
  • Pay attention to your breathing: moving calmly reduces tension and stress.
  • Accept fluctuating days: even a short exercise is valuable.
  • Vary: use different types of movement to keep your body in balance.

How MotiMove helps

Moving can be difficult when you’re in pain, but with the MotiMove app it becomes easier and safer. The app offers:

  • Short and clear exercise videos you can do at home.
  • Practical tips and facts about pain, so you better understand what’s happening.
  • Statistics and progress that help you reach goals step by step.
  • Motivation and structure that help you keep going, even on tougher days.

This makes moving achievable and even fun, without having to worry about overloading yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Can moving make my pain worse?

A little pain during movement is normal and often not a sign of damage. The body needs to get used to movement.

Which sports are best for chronic pain?

Walking, cycling, and swimming are often good choices. But above all, choose something you enjoy, so it’s easier to stick with it.

How often should I move?

Moving a little every day is better than being very intense occasionally. Consistency is more important than duration.

Do you also want to learn to move safely with pain and experience that small steps lead to big results? With the MotiMove app, you get exercises, tips, and motivation that fit your situation. This way, you’ll feel stronger, move more smoothly, and gain more control over your daily life. Download here!

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Pain diary

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Daily pain facts

Learn from doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, and dietitians.

We understand pain.

We know a lot about pain. Explore our knowledge base to learn how pain develops and how movement can be part of the solution.
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