What to expect:

An enjoyable, friendly and comfortable environment to move at your own pace.

  • Encouragement to increase participation in your daily activities
  • Support to return to exercise or to start exercising for the first time
  • Linked to your own goals - and address barriers to exercise and movement.

Why join our exercise class?

It is common for people in pain to stop exercising or to reduce activity in fear of making pain worse. This avoidance can become a habit that can be hard to break. Sometimes, this can lead to deconditioning, which means physical tasks become more difficult, tiredness might settle in sooner and muscles may become weak.

Luckily our body is highly adaptable and it can change depending on what we do. Keeping active helps to prevent deconditioning and get back to doing the things we value.

Exercise is beneficial for a number of reasons:

  • Help with the prevention,

  • management and treatment of many different conditions

  • Improve the management of pain by the release of natural painkillers

  • Decrease the sensitivity of receptors in the body

During exercise we are likely to feel different sensations. If we haven’t done certain movements in a while, it may take time to get used to the movements again.

You may notice an increase in pain when you first start moving again; this is normal. This pain can be managed using the skills you have learnt within our service, such as the use of heat or gentle stretches. Overtime you will notice you feel stronger and more confident in your body’s ability. You may notice a decrease in pain, improved sleep, greater strength and improvement in daily activities.

What is your exercise goal?

It would be helpful to have a think about what your exercise goals are so that we can help you get the most out of attending the class. Please discuss these with the physiotherapist at the session.

Where is the class?

The class is run in the physiotherapy gym room at the Minerva Centre, Preston.

What to wear?

You need to wear clothes that you can comfortably move in and sensible footwear that has a flat, soft sole.

What to bring?

Please bring a drink to keep you hydrated; water is usually the best option.

Please bring any medications you may require during the class, such as asthma inhalers or GTN sprays. You may want to bring a light snack; fruit or a biscuit are popular options.

Top exercise tips

  • The body is designed to move; it is resilient and strong.

  • Pain is a poor indicator of tissue health.

  • Practice deep breathing and relaxation before you try and exercise, and then try it during normal movement.

  • Find your baseline: start small, be patient and pace up as you are able.

  • The likelihood of a flare-up can be reduced if body tissues are kept in good condition. This means a regular commitment to exercise, maybe even daily.

  • When you are carrying out a movement or exercise, notice the normal sensations in the body.

  • Exercise will release helpful chemicals in the body.

  • Hold on to what you value, managing pain is hard work; be sure to remind yourself why you are doing it.

  • Be kind to yourself – always.

Contact details

If you are unable to attend, please contact the Community Pain

Team to let them know as soon as possible. If you do not attend and fail to inform us beforehand, we will have to discharge you from the service.

Community Pain Team: 01772 520 900 – Option 3

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email the PALS Team.

Feeling low and need someone to talk to?

Call 0800 915 4640

Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm - Midnight

Need urgent help?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.