Accessibility & Translations
Motion as Medicine: Using Exercise as a Pain Management Modality

Motion as Medicine: Using Exercise as a Pain Management Modality

Only available as part of a package

Abstract:
Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is a reduction in pain sensitivity that occurs during or after exercise. Typically, high-intensity, long-duration, or other variations of exercise are associated with this analgesic effect. Although this concept has been researched for over 40 years, it is not commonly taught in healthcare curricula. Furthermore, the mechanisms, variability, and types of exercise that elicit EIH are often not considered when selecting exercise order or intensity. This presentation will provide a stronger understanding of how to elicit an EIH response, its magnitude and duration, and help athletic trainers optimize exercise selection to improve treatment efficiency and patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

  • Summarize the physiological and psychological mechanisms associated with exercise-induced hypoalgesia.
  • Distinguish the exercise intensity and duration required to elicit an exercise-induced hypoalgesia response.
  • Describe the duration and magnitude of an exercise-induced hypoalgesia response.
  • Design rehabilitation sessions that maximize the potential and effectiveness of exercise-induced hypoalgesia.

Level:
Advanced

Domain(s):
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention 

Orthopedic Domain(s):
N/A

Keywords:
Exercise-induced hypoalgesia, therapeutic exercise, exercise prescription

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

A Statement of Credit reflecting your CEUs will be issued immediately upon the successful completion of all course components.


Course Expiration: 
All sessions of the NATA 77th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by December 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Christopher Proppe, PhD, ATC, CSCS

Christopher Proppe is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Performance Studies at Wichita State University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Texas Christian University, Master of Science in Exercise Science from Middle Tennessee State University, and Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Central Florida. Prior to pursuing his doctorate, he worked as an athletic trainer in a variety of clinical settings, primarily in collegiate athletics. His clinical experience strongly informs his research agenda, which focuses on neuromuscular responses to exercise, pain management interventions, and blood flow restricted exercise. Overall, his goal is to help clinicians improve clinical outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.

This content will not be available until 07/31/2026 at 12:00 AM (CDT)