Understanding pain, finding relief
A brief introduction to pain, our tissues, and our nervous system.
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage." Pain does not reflect the condition of our physical tissue alone. Pain science has corrected that long-standing myth.
We can describe pain as the brain's perception of tissue damage. Psychological, sensory, and emotional factors influence our perception of pain. Our powerful brains want us to remain safe -- and alert us to possible threats. Our tissues, therefore, may not be damaged and we can still feel pain. As most tissue injuries (from a superficial skin scrape to a deeper soft tissue injury) heal in a matter of weeks or months, lingering pain does not always correlate to actual damage. Biology, psychology and social factors affect our perception and response to pain. Established beliefs, expectations, and attitudes can all influence experienced pain. And that pain is real.
Finding Relief
What to do with this information? If we understand even the basics of how pain works, we can grow less fearful of it. Decreased fear likely correlates to decreased pain. Our bodies adapt. Our tissues are resilient and flexible!
"As you gradually identify factors that influence your pain, the more you can do to decrease your pain system sensitivity." - Lorimer Moseley
If you're experiencing pain and seeking therapeutic massage, I make these promises:
I will listen intently when you describe your experience. I want to hear your story.
I will share the relevant information I have about pain science and touch science.
Our session will be collaborative - I want your input.
I will encourage you to move outside of our sessions - not in a way that is complicated or fancy - in a way that feels easy and accessible.
References
Kachur S. Pain: Psychological Perspectives. Physiother Can. 2008 Spring;60(2):203–4. doi: 10.3138/physio.60.2.203. Epub 2008 Oct 10. PMCID: PMC2792811.
Carlino E, Frisaldi E, Benedetti F. Pain and the context. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2014 Jun;10(6):348-55. doi: 10.1038/nrrheum.2014.17. Epub 2014 Feb 25. PMID: 24567065.
Essential Pain Fact 4; Pain Revolution, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia.
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