How many times have you heard or said “I can’t do x because I have a bad back/knees?” or “I just have to live with this pain the rest of my life, nothing works!” Chronic pain is clinically characterized as pain that lasts over 3 months and can affect any part of the body. It may stem from an old injury or be associated with a health condition; it can also be something that developed over time and is now a persistent presence in your life that may make you feel like you’ll never be rid of its shadow.
It’s Complicated... or is it Complex?
The word “complex” refers to something having many components; whereas “complicated” refers to having a high level of difficulty. Chronic pain can be both complex and complicated. Over the years, the way we understand and deal with pain has evolved:
Pain has a protective mechanism and can promote healing: for example, it’s what alerts the brain to send blood to the site of injury and growth factors to build tissues back up.
Persistent pain is overprotection and can prevent recovery: think of having fallen when learning to ice skate and not getting up again, even though you’ve been on the sidelines for what seems like forever
Pain is multifactorial: anxiety, behaviors, past experiences, general health, current environment and support are all
So, now what?
There are many ways to reduce pain and gradually retrain the pain system. The body and brain have an enormous capacity for change, and we have the power to direct that change in a positive direction!
How can a physical therapist help?
Fluid Physio, we understand that every patient has a unique story; patients who have chronic pain have likely tried many avenues to address their issues before coming to us. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. A thorough evaluation that includes a neurological evaluation as well as expert assessment of the musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems enables us to put together a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan with you at the center. Tackling chronic pain takes a team approach, and Fluid Physio is where your journey to a better you begins.
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