A CLEAR Way to Understanding Persistent or Chronic Pain
- Gillian Logan
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
Living with persistent or chronic pain can feel exhausting—both physically and mentally. For many, pain lasts long after an injury has healed, or arises without a clear cause. It’s not just about sore muscles or aching joints; pain can affect sleep, mood, and your ability to enjoy daily life.
At CLEAR Exercise Physiology, we believe knowledge is power. When you understand how pain works—and how to work with your body instead of against it—you can take meaningful steps toward a more active, fulfilling life.
What is Persistent or Chronic Pain?
Persistent pain is pain that lasts longer than three months, well beyond the normal tissue healing time. It’s a complex experience influenced by many factors:
Past injuries or trauma
The brain’s perception of threat to the body
Emotional states such as stress, anxiety, or depression
Lifestyle factors including inactivity and poor sleep
Pain isn’t “all in your head” however, your brain plays a key role. Think of pain as your body’s alarm system. Sometimes, that alarm becomes overly sensitive, sounding off even when you’re not in danger.
Activity Patterns: Persisters and Avoiders
When pain is persistent, people often fall into one of two patterns:
Persisters push through pain no matter what. This can lead to flare-ups and long recovery periods.
Avoiders stop moving altogether for fear of making pain worse, which leads to muscle loss, reduced mobility, and even more discomfort over time.
The best path is usually in the middle—paced activity and graded exposure—where you find your safe limits and build up gradually.
How Exercise Helps with Persistent Pain
Done right, exercise can:
Improve sleep quality – Better rest supports healing and mood regulation
Boost mood and reduce stress – Movement triggers “feel-good” brain chemicals that help reduce the perception of pain
Increase pain tolerance – Even short bouts, like a 20-minute walk, can reduce discomfort
Strengthen muscles and joints – Supporting better movement and less strain
Reduce inflammation – Lowering pain intensity over time
Importantly, exercise is a low-risk treatment with benefits for both physical and mental health.
Moving Safely with Pain
Work within your comfort zone—mild discomfort is okay, severe pain is not
Adjust exercises based on symptoms, rather than stopping completely
Change positions often—your best posture is your next posture
Seek guidance from an Accredited Exercise Physiologist for a personalised plan
Take the First Step with CLEAR EP
You don’t have to let persistent pain control your life. At CLEAR EP, we’ll help you find safe, sustainable ways to move—so you can enjoy the activities that matter most to you.
Book your consultation today at clearep.com.au/online-bookings
Let’s work together to turn movement into medicine.
