Persistent pain often makes it difficult to be physically active. Your physical therapist will help you develop a plan to increase your physical activity. This page contains information about increasing physical activity and resources to help you plan your activity.

• Chronic pain can make physical activity difficult

• Pain during physical activity does not mean you are doing damage or making things worse

• Doing too much activity too soon can increase pain and cause frustration

• Finding ways to gradually increase your tolerance to physical activity is often an important part of recovery

• Your physical therapist will help you develop a plan to increase your physical activity

To be successful it is helpful to establish goals, make a plan, and monitor progress. The worksheets below can help you with this process.

1. Plan your activity and rest for each day

2. Create a physical activity action plan to guide you

3. Break tasks into smaller activities to avoid overdoing it

4. Identify obstacles and develop a plan to overcome them

5. Develop a plan to manage pain flares

6. Record your progress using the graded activity log

7. Be persistent and keep progressing