Exercises For Improving Heart Health 

Exercise for Heart Health PTCOA Arkansas

Physical activity is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy heart.

For American Heart Month , PTCOA is examining some of the exercises that benefit the heart.

Stretching

Many people avoid exercise because it causes joint and muscle pain. As a result, their muscles get weaker, and they lose flexibility. Weak, stiff muscles lead to a number of issues, including increased risk of injury, decreased balance and worsening joint problems. Once the muscles are weak, exercising becomes more painful and tiring--which further decreases a person’s ability and motivation to exercise.

All of this has a negative impact on the heart.

Regular stretching can help lengthen and strengthen muscles all over the body. As a result, those muscles are able to accommodate longer and more intense exercise.

Stretching also encourages blood flow to the muscles, including the heart muscle. Some research has linked regular stretching to a reduction in arterial stiffness . Additionally, stretching while practicing deep breathing exercises can lower blood pressure.


Swimming

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for optimal heart health. That breaks down to just 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.

Unfortunately, for individuals who suffer from chronic joint or back pain, many forms of aerobic exercise (like running, stair climbing and bicycling) are not an option. This can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which increases the risk of a number of cardiovascular diseases and can even shorten life span .

Swimming can help you break out of a sedentary lifestyle and get your blood pumping, without putting excess pressure on the joints and muscles. Swimming can be enjoyed by all people of all ages, but is especially good for people who avoid exercise because of arthritis or other painful conditions.

Swimming just half an hour three times per week has been linked to lower cholesterol and even control of blood sugar.

Weightlifting

Aerobic exercise is known as the gold standard in heart-healthy physical activity. However, you might be surprised to learn that weightlifting (resistance exercise) also has plenty of cardiovascular benefits.

A study from Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise showed that just one hour per week of weight training (using either free weights or machines) can lower the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Similarly, a July 2019 study from JAMA Cardiology showed that strength training was actually superior to aerobic exercise at reducing heart fat.

Walking

Walking is the most popular form of exercise because, for many people, it’s the most accessible. You don’t need expensive equipment or a pool to walk. All you need is space and a comfortable, supportive pair of shoes. Walking outside is considered mentally therapeutic for many people, while others appreciate walking’s low impact on joints, muscles and bones.

Walking has been associated with a number of heart healthy benefits and can help with high blood pressure, weight gain and even diabetes.

Physical Therapy Can Provide the Foundation for Smart Exercise

For individuals with chronic pain or joint conditions, exercise is hard. Without education on the types of exercise that work for their bodies, many people with painful conditions simply give up.

This can have dramatic negative effects on the heart and cardiovascular system, especially for older adults.

Physical therapy can help individuals with arthritis, neck pain, back pain and other chronic pain conditions find exercises that work for them.

PTCOA’s physical therapy program helps individuals of all ages recover from injuries, surgery and other pain conditions.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment: (844) 215-0731.

July 31, 2026
Many people spend hours each day sitting at a desk, looking down at a phone, or driving between appointments without realizing how these habits affect their bodies. Over time, poor posture places excessive stress on muscles, joints, and the spine, leading to chronic pain that interferes with daily life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients identify the causes of persistent pain and develop bespoke treatment plans that improve function, mobility, and well-being. How Poor Posture Leads to Chronic Pain Proper posture keeps your body aligned, allowing muscles, ligaments, and joints to work efficiently. When posture is compromised—whether from slouching, hunching over a computer, or standing unevenly—certain muscles become overworked while others weaken. Such imbalance places unnecessary strain on the spine and surrounding tissues. Over time, poor posture leads to chronic pain in several areas of the body, including: Neck and shoulders Upper and lower back Hips and pelvis Knees Head, leading to tension headaches Many people don’t notice the effects immediately, but repeated poor posture can gradually cause inflammation, muscle fatigue, nerve irritation, and reduced flexibility. Common Signs Your Posture May Be Causing Pain Poor posture often develops slowly, making it hard to recognize until discomfort becomes persistent. Typical symptoms include: Frequent neck or shoulder stiffness Ongoing lower back pain Muscle tightness after sitting for long periods Headaches which start at the base of the skull Rounded shoulders or a forward head position Fatigue from standing or sitting throughout the day If these symptoms continue despite rest or over-the-counter treatments, it may be time for a medical assessment. Simple Ways to Improve Your Posture Improving posture doesn’t happen overnight, but small daily changes can greatly reduce pain and prevent future problems. Consider these healthy habits: Sit with both feet flat on the floor and your back supported. Keep computer monitors at eye level to reduce neck strain. Take regular breaks to move your body throughout the day. Strengthen muscles in your core to better support your spine. Practice posture awareness while standing, walking, and lifting objects. Try not to look down at your phone for longer periods of time by raising the screen closer to eye level. These simple adjustments can reduce stress on your body and improve comfort during daily activities. When Professional Treatment Is Needed While posture correction helps many people, chronic pain may require additional medical care, especially if poor posture has caused joint dysfunction, nerve irritation, or long-term muscle imbalances. A complete evaluation can determine whether posture is causing your symptoms and identify other underlying conditions that may be involved. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include: Physical therapy and guided rehabilitation Interventional pain management procedures Trigger point or joint injections Medication management when appropriate Personalized exercise recommendations Education on body mechanics and ergonomics Combining posture correction with targeted treatment often provides the greatest long-term relief. Personalized Chronic Pain Care at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand chronic pain is rarely caused by a single factor. Our experienced providers evaluate the whole person to identify the root cause of discomfort and create individualized treatment plans that support lasting relief. Whether your pain stems from poor posture, repetitive strain, or another underlying condition, we’re committed to helping you improve mobility, restore function, and return to the activities you enjoy.  If chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain is impacting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, let’s customize a treatment plan that helps you stand taller, move more comfortably, and live with less pain.
June 26, 2026
Pain is often associated with injury, arthritis, or another structural problem in the body. However, not all pain comes from damaged bones, joints, muscles, or tissues. Sometimes, the nervous system itself causes discomfort. This pain is called neuropathic pain and can greatly affect quality of life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients determine the source of their symptoms and develop personalized plans to manage chronic nerve pain effectively. What Is Neuropathic Pain? Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged, irritated, or dysfunctional. Unlike pain from injury or inflammation, it results from abnormal signaling within the nervous system. These disrupted signals cause the brain to sense pain even without ongoing tissue damage. Patients commonly describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, shooting, electric-like, or stabbing. Some may experience numbness, elevated sensitivity to touch, or pain that seems disproportionate to any physical findings. Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect the nerves or nervous system. Some common causes include: Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) Herniated discs are causing nerve compression Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries Stroke-related nerve damage Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Symptoms can vary widely, so proper evaluation is key for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Neuropathic pain is often challenging to identify because imaging exams like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may not always reveal the source of the problem. Patients may experience significant pain despite having slight structural abnormalities. A complete evaluation includes medical history, physical exam, neurological assessment, and diagnostic tests when needed. Identifying nerve involvement is critical because neuropathic pain often responds differently to treatment than musculoskeletal pain. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Successful treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible while reducing symptoms and improving function. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include: Medication management designed specifically for nerve pain Nerve block injections Physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal cord stimulation Lifestyle alterations Interventional pain management procedures Many benefit from an approach that combines several therapies for the best outcomes. When to Seek Professional Care Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. If you have ongoing pain not connected to a structural injury, it may be time to explore if neuropathic pain is the cause. An extensive evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. Personalized Neuropathic Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that chronic pain is complex and every patient’s experience is unique. Our team uses sophisticated diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to identify nerve-related pain and create individualized care plans to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent nerve pain symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, we can develop a treatment plan designed to help you regain control of your daily activities and move toward lasting relief.
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