Can Exercise Help Manage Chronic Pain? Yes — Here’s How
If you live with chronic pain, you’ve probably been told to “just keep moving” — but that can feel frustrating or even scary when your body hurts every day.
At Virtual EP, we work with people across Australia who live with pain from conditions like:
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Persistent back or neck pain
Neurological conditions
Injury or post-surgery pain
Long-term musculoskeletal issues
The good news? Exercise can help — when it’s done the right way, for your body.
First, What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than 3 months. It might come and go, or it might be constant. Unlike acute pain (which warns your body of injury), chronic pain is more complex — involving your brain, nervous system, past experiences, and even stress levels.
That’s why it doesn’t always respond to medication or rest alone.
And that’s where Exercise Physiology comes in.
How Can Exercise Help with Chronic Pain?
When prescribed and guided by a professional, exercise can:
Reduce pain sensitivity over time
Improve movement patterns and posture
Strengthen supporting muscles to protect joints
Boost mood and energy by releasing endorphins
Build confidence in your body again
Rewire the brain’s pain response through gradual exposure
You don’t need to push through pain. You just need the right plan, the right pace, and someone to guide you.
What We Do at Virtual EP
As Accredited Exercise Physiologists, we understand that no two pain experiences are the same. That’s why we:
Start with a 1:1 assessment
Work with you to understand your goals and limitations
Create a gentle, progressive movement plan
Guide you step-by-step via Telehealth (so you can stay home)
Adjust and support as your needs change
We take a pain-informed, compassionate, and evidence-based approach — focusing on function, not just symptoms.
Realistic Movement, Real-Life Outcomes
Your program might include:
Gentle mobility or stretching
Core or postural work
Strength-building with household items
Balance or walking drills
Breathing and pacing techniques
Over time, our goal is to help you:
Sit, stand, or walk more comfortably
Get back to activities you enjoy
Rely less on medication or passive treatments
Feel more in control of your health