• June 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 10:55 AM
• PCC,105AB

Motion as Medicine: Using Exercise as a Pain Management Modality

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.

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