It can be a difficult and disheartening experience when pain just won’t seem to go away. In my experience there are reasons for persistent pain. With patience and perseverance relief can occur:
- Structural/muscle/nerve damage: Whether acute or chronic, our bodies need time to heal from damage. In some cases, full recovery may not be possible, but with patience and perseverance, often the management of the pain is possible and your quality of life will improve.
- Referred pain: Pain in one area of the body can often be caused by issues in another area. By exploring all possible sources of pain, I can better understand how to address and alleviate your discomfort. For instance, treating a client with the sciatic procedure might yield positive results for someone displaying symptoms of tensor fasciitis.
- Reinjury: It’s common for clients to feel better after treatment and forget they are still recovering, thus inadvertently re-injuring themselves. Sometimes a common and habitual movement or posture may also be the culprit. Remember, your body still needs time to heal, even if the pain seems to have subsided.
- Emotional disturbance: Sometimes, emotional struggles can manifest as physical pain. Our bodies hold tension in response to emotional distress, leading to discomfort in various areas such as the back, shoulders, head and even hamstrings. Dealing with the emotions can go a long way towards helping the body recover from pain.
- Vested interests including fear: There are instances where individuals may unknowingly or intentionally maintain their health issues, as it provides a sense of control in their lives. Being aware and prepared to embrace the change in this instance is essential in addressing unresolving pain.
As a practitioner it’s my role to be aware of the possibility of influences outside of a straightforward treatment. When non-resolving pain is present, together we can gently explore how best to implement the treatment. That may include reassessing the plan that’s in place, collaborating with other practitioners or referring the client to where they may receive the assistance better suited to their needs.
