HOW TO CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE TO IMPROVE CHRONIC PAIN

WHAT IS PAIN? Viewing it in the simplest way, pain is a request for change.

Something that you are doing is stressing the system to cause that request!

Now when we view pain in this manner, it becomes obvious that a passive treatment such as a massage or foam rolling doesn’t create a change in habits, training load, volume, frequency, intensity or selection of exercises that could be the factor we need to change in order to effectively change our presentation of pain. They may be a useful tool in supporting the process, but we need to focus on creating new movement patterns to feedback new information to the brain.

However, it is not always so simple as just finding the movement dysfunction in order to change a state of pain, especially those with chronic pain complaints. Every system works together rather than as separate entities within the body. That manifestation of chronic pain could be created via any of the many systems within the body; respiratory system, immune system, gastrointestinal system or even via thought and emotion via the limbic brain.

Viewing the human being as a whole rather than an assortment of parts is vital for the recovery of chronic pain complaints, which is why I’ll always approach your rehab holistically. Looking at every element of lifestyle, nutrition, training, previous injury and other factors that can be influencing your neurology to create a request for change.

Easy changes that can help you deal with pain:

1. Reduce stimulants (they create a stress response, especially if ingested on empty stomach)

2. Reduce screen time, especially in evenings.

3. Sleep more, sleep better. The two points above help with this!

4. Clean up your nutritional habits. Pay attention to your body after meals, there’s often a request for change there.

5. Move more, move differently, move often and have fun with movement.

6. Don’t just respire, take some time to consciously breathe diaphragmatically. It helps induce a rest and digest (parasympathetic) nervous state conducive to healing.

IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING CHRONIC PAIN - I MAY BE ABLE TO HELP. CONTACT ME NOW FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION!