When we experience a trauma, such as bruising, muscle strain and tearing, rupture of tendons or ligaments, or fractures, the reason for our pain is fairly obvious. Bleeding and/or local swelling will occur, putting pressure on sensitive nerves, we will be inclined not to move the area, and the amazing repair and regeneration processes of the body take place. Preventing too much bleeding or swelling, ensuring short term rest, but getting mobile and active early, are good ways to get a full recovery.
For pain that is not the result of a trauma, or pain that lingers long after the injury, other factors must be addressed. These include:
· Ischemia – a lack of blood flow, reducing oxygen and vital nutrients, often caused by chronic tension in muscle, or a build up/tightening of the supporting connective tissue, fascia.
· Trigger Points - areas of hyperactivity and irritation, which cause referred pain or sensations to other parts of the body.
· Nerve Entrapment or Compression - pressure on nerves by soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia or skin) or by hard tissue (bone or disk).
· Postural Distortion - when the body’s alignment leads to imbalances.
· Nutrition/Hydration - the intake of necessary nutrients and the exclusion of irritating substances.
· Emotional Wellbeing - in a word, stress.
These factors each play a role in stimulation of the nervous system. The good news is that the human body is designed to deal with a certain range of stimulation, efficiently and effectively. We can adapt! The bad news is this adaptation can sometimes gradually compound our problems, leading to unexpected pain.  This can become part of a pain cycle, where the stimulus of the pain itself is causing adaptations in the body that lead to more problems.
As the body gets stuck in this cycle, many individuals will begin to limit certain movements or activities because of discomfort or pain.  It is vital to remember at this point, that the body loves to move, and it needs movement to maintain and repair itself.  As a Physical Therapist, I encounter people in pain every day, and the vast majority need to move more, not less! Each of us is unique in our make-up and how we use (and mis-use) the body during  our day-to-day activities, so understanding our own patterns is vital to addressing our pain. 
This can mean we simply need to focus on getting more regular cardio-vascular exercise – e.g. a brisk walk for 15 or 20 minutes, most days of the week, swimming is another good option.  Static occupational demands such as long periods at a desk may need to be addressed. Repetitive movement such as a hairdresser holding the arm up all day, will require specific mobilising stretches to release short, tight muscles. A lot of lifting may mean we need to work on strengthening the core muscles to protect the spine.
As already mentioned, the body is amazingly adaptable, we can take advantage of this by paying some attention to how we use and abuse it – with a little TLC and encouragement you can be delighted with a “new you” – flexible, strong, and importantly, pain free!
To find out how to “spring clean” your body for a New You with Physical Therapy, Massage and Pilates, do give me a call on 087 7530430, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .