Physical Activity and Chronic Pain
- Home
- /
- Physical Activity and Chronic...
R.E.A.C.H. for Movement
Living with chronic pain makes physical activity challenging. It can take time to find your way with movement and chronic pain. What works one day might not feel right the next, making it difficult to know where to start, when to build up, or when to rest. Movement can sometimes bring fear or discomfort, but finding a way to move safely at your own pace can is important and can support your overall health and well-being.
The R.E.A.C.H. for Movement resources were co-designed by Dublin City University researchers, Chronic Pain Ireland, and individuals living with chronic pain. Created to build your confidence and support your physical activity journey, this practical toolkit includes:
- Getting Started Videos: Short, accessible guides introducing movement strategies tailored for chronic pain.
- Stories That Move You Booklet: A collection of shared experiences and lived realities
- Movement Decision Booklet: A practical guide to help you check in with your body and find a safe, meaningful starting point for movement today and a printable journal to record your movement.
There is no single “right” way to move, finding what works for you takes curiosity and patience. Start where you are, move at your own pace, and explore what works for your body.
Explore the R.E.A.C.H. for Movement resources
Practical guides, stories and tools to help you find ways to move that work for you.
Stories That Move You
Real stories. Different ways of moving.
Hear from people living with chronic pain and discover their experiences and the different ways they have found that movement can fit into everyday life.
Movement Decision Guide
When symptoms fluctuate, knowing where to start with movement can feel overwhelming. Try our Movement Decision Guide—a simple visual tool to help you check in with your pain, energy, and sleep, so you can choose an approach to movement that feels right for you today.
You can also track your progress in the Movement Journal to discover which activities work best for your body across different symptoms.
Download the Movement Decision Guide → PDF
Complimentary resources:
Download My Movement Journal / Worksheet → PDF
Download Movement the Infographic → PDF
Coming soon:
Chronic Pain: Moving in Ways That Work for you Webinar
An exclusive lunchtime webinar with Dr Kate Sheridan – a Chartered Physiotherapist and Assistant Professor at Dublin City University, with over 15 years of clinical experience in pain rehabilitation and exercise prescription.
Explore practical approaches to physical activity, pacing and movement when living with chronic pain, and learn more about R.E.A.C.H. for Movement and the resources created to support you.
📅 8 September 2026
🕐 1:00–2:00pm
💻 Online + Q&A