How to Modify Strength Training Around Pain
In this YouTube excerpt, fitness expert JJ Virgin responds to a viewer named Rosemary who suffers from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) affecting her right hand, wrist, and forearm. She reports that lifting weights can trigger pain. JJ outlines a strategy to maintain muscle mass while avoiding painful movements: she recommends training from the elbow upward, using exercises such as chest flies and rear (reverse) flies that do not stress the affected forearm. She also suggests focusing on lower‑body work—leg presses and leg curls—to preserve overall muscle. Additionally, she mentions the possible use of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to keep muscle fibers activated when the limb cannot be used. The overall guidance aims to work around the injury, prevent muscle loss, and manage pain during strength training.
