Managing Pain

Chronic Pain Affects 40% of the World Population

It is also life changing for many!

Pain means different things to different people, in different contexts, and based on different experiences. Acute, short-lived pain following a traumatic injury, in many cases heals. The pain that becomes increasingly hard to live with and manage, is the pain that has persisted month after month and often year after year, particularly when the source often can’t be diagnosed. Living with chronic pain is almost a disease in itself. It slowly and progressively eats away at you, your confidence, self- worth, and independence. It can consume your life and thoughts, often alienating you from your friends and family even your workplace. Living with pain is exhausting, lack of sleep, anxiety and depression often go hand in hand with pain, which in turn can lead to anger and frustration and problems with your relationships at home and with yourself. And the physical pain can stop you from doing things you love, like taking walks, playing sports and socialising, which also has an impact on your mental health.

You know the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”, well I believe it takes an army to survive and thrive with chronic pain. Although it’s important that you are in control and are the driver of your pain management, it would be unrealistic to assume you can do this alone. 

You need the support of friends and family, work colleges or associates and pain specialists and therapists.

Physical therapists are experts in handling pain, finding the source of the pain and treating your body holistically. Physical therapy can be very beneficial in managing chronic pain by promoting joint movement, using exercises to reduce stiffness and improve muscle strength – all of which can reduce your pain and improve your mobility which may help with daily activities. Specific nerve mobility treatments can help reduce sensitivity to pain and massage has always been a trusty stalwart as it reduces stress and anxiety as well as pain.

This month I’ve put together a range of resources that can help you learn to manage this pain, whatever pain level you’re at.

I have leaflets on the following topics:

• The Strain of Pain: Dispelling the myths behind chronic pain with strategies for managing your pain
• Understanding Chronic Pain
• Skills to Cope with Chronic Pain
• How Physical Therapy Can Help You if You Suffer from Chronic Pain
• How Pain Affects Your Life (infographic)
• Relaxation for Chronic Pain (exercise handout)
• Building Activity into Your Everyday Life If You Suffer from Musculoskeletal Pain
• Chronic Pain: Tips for Managing Activity Levels

These resources are packed with practical tips and advice, along with worksheets, exercise leaflets and infographics that combine to help you master your chronic pain.

You can download the resources by clicking on the button below and entering your details.

If you’re living with pain on a regular basis, there are many ways I can help so if you need advice, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

And if you know anyone who could benefit from any of these resources, please feel free to share this blog post with them.