Managing Chronic Pain with Exercise Physiology in Penrith
- Maria Esquivel

- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Chronic pain can be debilitating. It affects not only your physical body but your mental health, independence, and daily quality of life. At MPower Physical Therapy in Penrith, our Exercise Physiologists are here to help you manage pain using movement and strength-based interventions backed by clinical research.
Whether you’re struggling with arthritis, fibromyalgia, persistent back pain, or an old injury, Exercise Physiology may be your missing link to lasting relief.

Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for longer than three months. Unlike acute pain, which acts as a warning system, chronic pain can linger beyond the healing process and often becomes a condition in itself. It can be caused by injuries, degenerative conditions, or occur without a clear medical diagnosis.
Common causes of chronic pain include:
Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia
Chronic back or neck pain
Sciatica
Neuropathic pain
Autoimmune disorders
Left unmanaged, chronic pain can affect sleep, mood, work performance, and overall well-being.
How Exercise Helps Chronic Pain
It may sound counterintuitive, but structured, progressive movement is one of the most effective tools for managing chronic pain. Exercise helps by:
Releasing endorphins (natural painkillers)
Increasing circulation to stiff or inflamed areas
Improving posture and muscle balance
Reducing reliance on medications
Supporting mental wellbeing and confidence
Research has consistently shown that regular, tailored exercise can reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life, especially when supervised by an Exercise Physiologist.
The Role of Exercise Physiology in Chronic Pain Management
At MPower Physical Therapy, our Exercise Physiologists are trained to understand the complexities of chronic pain. We create personalised programs that consider:
Your diagnosis and pain history
Fear of movement or injury
Fatigue or flare-up patterns
Your mental and emotional relationship with pain
We focus on gentle, progressive exercise routines designed to rebuild function without aggravating your symptoms.
What a Chronic Pain Program Looks Like
Initial Assessment
Detailed discussion of your health history
Functional movement and strength screening
Baseline pain and mobility measures
Program Design
Individualised plan based on your goals and tolerance
Incorporating mobility, resistance, balance, and breathing work
Ongoing Supervision
1-on-1 or small group sessions at our Penrith clinic
Education about pacing, flare-up management, and recovery
Progress Review
Regular re-assessment of pain levels and function
Communication with your GP, physio, or specialists if needed
Real-Life Success Story
One of our clients, a 52-year-old woman with long-term fibromyalgia, came to us with daily pain, limited activity, and low mood. Through 12 weeks of gradual strength training, mobility work, and gentle aerobic sessions, she reduced her daily pain medication by half, began walking 30 minutes most days, and reported improved energy and sleep.
Why MPower Physical Therapy?
Private, quiet clinic environment in Penrith
Trauma-informed and compassionate approach
Collaboration with your healthcare team
NDIS, WorkCover, Medicare and private clients welcome
Our goal is not to push you but to empower you.
Getting Started...
You don’t need to live with pain. Take the first step toward long-term relief.
Book your initial consultation with MPower Physical Therapy today. We’ll help you move better, feel stronger, and take control of your health.
Chronic pain is complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. At MPower Physical Therapy, our Exercise Physiologists are here to guide, support and inspire you back to confident, pain-reduced living.
Don’t wait for a perfect day. Start where you are, and let us help you move forward.







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