The Infanta Leonor University Hospital, integrated into the public health network of the Community of Madrid, has commemorated the World Day of Pain with a Participatory day aimed at patients and their families., under the motto Movement in the face of pain: Therapeutic exercise to improve quality of life, organized by its Pain Management Committee.
The encounter had as its purpose Raise awareness about the importance of therapeutic exercise. in the handling of the chronic pain, promoting a comprehensive approach that complements pharmacological treatment and enhances it Patients' active involvement in their own well-being.. Throughout the day, the role of movement and physical activity was highlighted as essential tools for to improve the quality of life and reduce the impact of pain.
The opening of the ceremony was carried out by the Doctor Margaret Montero Diaz, the hospital's deputy medical director., accompanied by the Doctor Rosalía de Dios Álvarez, Head of the Rehabilitation Service. The program included a Theoretical presentation on the benefits of exercise. in pain management, as well as a round table moderated by Paloma Pareja, the center's physiotherapist, and José Luis Martín, coordinator of physical activity groups for the Puente de Vallecas Municipal Senior Centers. In this space, several patients shared their personal experiences and offered practical recommendations for Integrate exercise into daily life. As a fundamental part of the treatment of pain.
The day ended with a supervised group therapy session by the physiotherapist at Infanta Leonor University Hospital, Esther Aguado, and the aforementioned José Luis Martín, in which the different types of beneficial exercises were presented, such as Stretching, muscular strengthening, aerobic and flexibility exercises, adapted to the needs of each patient. The event was attended by members of the hospital's Patients' Committee.
Among the benefits of therapeutic exercise discussed during this session, its ability to reduce central nervous system sensitization, decreasing the perception of pain; improve neuroplasticity, retraining movement patterns altered by pain; regulate inflammatory substances, increasing mobility and muscle strength; promote emotional well-being, thanks to the release of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins; and foster the patient's autonomy, empowering him in his recovery process. In addition, the value of exercise as a socializing element was emphasized, especially in older adults, and its positive impact on adherence to healthy habits and on the prevention of pharmacological dependence.
The Pain Management Committee of Infanta Leonor University Hospital, a multidisciplinary committee in which more than 30 healthcare professionals participate, has among its main functions to promote pain-free health care, involve patients in the assessment and progression of that problem, and raise awareness among all professionals about the importance of improving appropriate pain management. World Day Against Pain is commemorated on October 17 each year, promoted by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing, diagnosing, and treating pain in an effective and humane manner.
