Isolation aches and pains

[OreoRosies86]

Anyone else dealing with this?

I was abruptly laid off due to Covid, which has been stressful. I have been assured we are all returning once we get the ok, which makes things manageable.

However!

My job kept me very physically active. Think about 4-5 hours a day solid exercise. I had lost 20 pounds since starting it, and was feeling pretty good. Some aches and pains with age but my doctor thinks it’s pinched nerves and I was set to start physical therapy before all this craziness.

Well now after a month in self isolation I can say I feel like an 80 year old. I have never felt so much pain in my hips and back, shoulders, knees, as well as cramps and spasms... every day it’s something. I’ve asked others if they’re having this same problem and the answer is a resounding yes. The lack of regular out and about exercise is definitely not agreeing with my body. I had mild pain before but it’s gotten worse and I know it’s because I’m not moving like I should.

I need more of a plan to stay active. Unfortunately I am in a state with one of the highest case counts in the country and next to a major hospital, so going outside is risky in and of itself.

Are you dealing with body pain? How are you coping with staying active?

 

[OreoRosies86]

I also bought one of these to ease the pain in my neck and shoulders. Who knows if it will do anything but I had to try! The pain seems to alternate from place to place. One days it’s hips, next knees, then neck and shoulders.

 

[Ally T]

Big hugs to you. These are hard times. Have you tried Yoga? I am really physically active in general with running & weights in the gym etc. But I also do yoga & have found it hugely strengthens my body. At the moment my gym is closed & i am permitted to exercise for an hour a day outside my property (I'm in th UK).

I can do yoga at home & in general, have found it has hugely released my hips & spine over time. I had a break to my neck many years ago, which bothers me every winter. But this last winter I haven't felt an ounce of issue & I strongly believe the yoga has helped with pain relief.

 

[JPie]

Yoga and Pilates. I did both when I was really stressed at work, and they definitely helped ease the pain.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

I'm sorry @OreoRosies86 !

I can only echo yoga. Somehow it's one of the sports that work well for me via YouTube (free) or if you want to keep supporting your previous instructor via zoom et. al..

 

[missy]

@OreoRosies86 I am sorry about work and about your aches and pain and stress.

Definitely being less active causes these aches and pains and also the stress tends to build up when one is less active and used to being more active. For me working out and being active helps maintain my sanity.

My DH gets aches and pains when we are not cycling and he isn't working out regularly and I do too when I have to miss a day or 2 because of injury same for me.

Pilates is amazing for stretching and working out and strengthening the muscles and I love it. I don't do yoga but I hear it's also a pretty good way to keep in shape. And of course (for me) the piece de resistance is aerobic activity. That really gives me a sense of well being and peace and calm as well as helping me maintain good health.

The key, IMO, is to find an activity or activities that you enjoy doing so doing them doesn't feel like a punishment and you will happily continue doing them and feel energized and motivated. There is no one activity that is right but it is more a matter of finding the right activities for *you*.

Hope you can find an activity activities) that bring you to a good place emotionally and physically.

 

[OreoRosies86]

I did about an hour of yoga this morning and promptly fell asleep after. First time pain free in weeks! Yes!!!

 

[chemgirl]

Is there a way for you to be more active around the house? It’s possible to do body weight exercises without a lot of equipment. Obviously stop if anything hurts!

My yoga studio is doing live classes over Instagram and my gym introduced a home workout program with videos. A lot of the content is free and I bet you could find something with a bit of poking around online.

We also try to get out for walks (being very careful to avoid people). I know it’s not easy, but I find a little bit of movement can really help when my body feels rusty.

Goodluck!