Top 5 Ways Exercise Helps Relieve Musculoskeletal (MSK) Pain
Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain—from nagging low back discomfort to chronic joint or tendon pain—affects millions of people and can seriously limit quality of life. While medications and passive treatments may offer short-term relief, exercise is one of the most effective, long-term strategies for managing MSK pain.
At Mountain Health & Performance, our team of chiropractors and massage therapists work together to create personalized, evidence-based movement plans to help you recover, stay active, and feel your best.
Here are the top 5 science-backed ways exercise can help relieve MSK pain:
1. Improves Blood Flow and Tissue Healing
Exercise enhances circulation, which boosts oxygen and nutrient delivery to injured or painful tissues. This helps accelerate the healing process and clear out metabolic waste products that contribute to inflammation and pain.
Low-impact cardio like walking, swimming, or cycling can increase circulation safely—especially during flare-ups or recovery periods.
2. Decreases Inflammation and Nerve Sensitivity
Regular physical activity helps regulate the immune system and reduces chronic inflammation, which plays a key role in many MSK conditions. Exercise also promotes nervous system adaptation, helping to calm "overactive" pain pathways and reduce hypersensitivity.
At Mountain Health & Performance, we use graded exposure techniques to help patients with persistent pain slowly build tolerance and confidence in movement.
3. Strengthens Supporting Muscles
Muscle weakness and imbalances often contribute to joint and tendon overload. Resistance training helps stabilize and support key areas like the spine, hips, and shoulders, improving posture and reducing mechanical strain.
Our practitioners often see reduced knee and back pain when patients incorporate glute, core, and scapular strengthening into their rehab.
4. Restores Mobility and Prevents Compensations
Restricted motion can lead to dysfunctional movement patterns and ongoing discomfort. Stretching, joint mobilization, and mobility exercises restore flexibility and range of motion, helping you move more efficiently and with less pain.
For example, limited thoracic spine (midback) mobility often contributes to neck and shoulder pain—an area we frequently address through individualized mobility work at the clinic.
5. Improves Mood, Sleep, and Pain Tolerance
Pain isn't just physical—it's emotional and mental, too. Exercise boosts endorphins, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality, all of which have a direct impact on how we perceive and cope with pain.
Why Choose Mountain Health & Performance?
Located in North Vancouver, Mountain Health & Performance offers a collaborative, sport-focused approach to MSK care. Whether you're dealing with a recent injury or persistent pain, our team creates tailored exercise plans that address the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms.
Ready to Move Better and Feel Better?
If MSK pain is holding you back, you don’t have to go it alone. Our experienced practitioners are here to guide you every step of the way with compassionate, results-driven care.
Dr. Matt Wentzell
BKin, MSc, DC, FRCCSS(C)
North Vancouver Sport Chiropractor