Chest pain can stem from several causes. Heart disease, flatulence, heartburn and damage to one of the muscles in the chest are some of the potential causes. If your doctor has confirmed that you don't have an injury, you may be able to do some exercises to help relieve pain or pressure in your chest. However, if you notice that the pain increases during or after exercise, visit your doctor immediately for additional screening.
Breathing Exercises
If you are stressed or if your body is under stress, you might notice a change in your breathing patterns. As a result, pressure may build up in your chest, causing chest pain. By correcting your breathing habits and increasing the flow of air in and out of your lungs, you may be able to relieve your chest pain.
To perform breathing exercises, sit or stand in a neutral position, relaxing your shoulders. Inhale slowly for five counts and exhale slowly for five counts. Repeat 10 times. Practice this breathing exercise daily or when you begin to feel tightness in your chest.
Stretching
Similar to the pressure that can build up in your chest as a result of stress, you might experience chest pain because a muscle or tendon is tense or a muscle is contracted. To help the muscle relax and relieve the pain, light stretching may help.
Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your feet flat on the floor, lift your arms up over your head until you feel a gentle pull in your chest. Hold the stretch for five counts and bring your arms back down to your sides. Be sure to continue breathing in and out while you stretch. Repeat the stretch five times. In addition, you may reach your hands behind you, cupping your hands together. Pull your arms downward until you feel a gentle stretch in your chest.
Pushups
You might find you are experiencing chest pain due to muscle weakness. As you strengthen your chest muscles, the pain may begin to dissipate. Pushups are a basic exercise that can help you strengthen your upper arm and chest muscles.
Lie on your stomach with your legs together. Place your hands next to your shoulders and push your hands into the floor to lift your body upward. As you move upward, keep your torso, hips and legs in a straight line. Inhale as you go up and exhale as you go down. Repeat 10 to 20 times or as long as you are comfortable and aren't experiencing pain.
Walk or Jog
You may also relieve chest pain by increasing your cardiovascular endurance. This conditions your lungs and better prepares them for physical activity so less stress is placed on your lungs, which could be the cause of your chest pain. Walk for five minutes at a slow but steady pace to warm up, then increase your speed to a brisk walk. If you feel comfortable, increase to a light jog.
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