Many of us with chronic pain display unhelpful patterns of activity. An example of this is when we overdo an activity, task or exercise when we are having a 'good' pain day. We call this boom/busting as we have had a boom of activity which has caused us to flare up or bust. This is a very common activity pattern in individuals with chronic pain.
The other unhelpful activity pattern we may display is fear avoidance. This is when we stop doing an activity when the pain starts and gradually we do less and less of the activity due to fear of the pain the task will result in. In some cases we begin to fear the pain we relate to the task so much that we avoid the activity completely. This can have a major impact on our quality of life if the task we are avoiding is one we really enjoyed. There is a way to increase our tolerance to physical activity......Pacing!
Pacing is a very effective way of managing our persistent pain. Essentially it is doing little bits often so that you avoid both overdoing it and being under-active (or avoiding activity). It is the middle ground between the two extremes. Pacing requires patience and persistence but if performed correctly can be a very powerful self management tool for your pain.
Pacing and Goal Setting - Persistent Pain Management Series
Pacing activity - Australian Pain Association
Pain HEALTH - Pacing and Goal Setting (video)