Pain is not only a physical sensation, but is also interconnected with our emotions and our mind. When you are in pain you employ rational thinking. This is the mind's way of solving problems. Here is how it works:
You are in pain and you know you want to be healthy and pain free. Your mind evaluates the gap between the two and tries to bridge it. The mind breaks down the problem into smaller steps and tries to find a solution.
Issues arise when the gap can't be closed. You tried rest, heat, ice, medication and activity modification but you are not finding lasting relief from the pain. This is when fear creeps in and you become fixated on finding the answer. You begin to ask yourself these questions:
Why am I in this much pain?
What is going on?
What have I done to myself?
Will I ever get better?
This can start a cycle of increased fear which leads to more pain which leads to more fear.
There is a way out of this cycle.......this is where I come in. I develop a plan to bridge that gap. Physical Therapy will help you improve your physical function and Reiki and mindfulness techniques will help calm the fear and negative thoughts.
If you want to learn more about pain check out the book Mindfulness for Health: a practical guide to relieving pain, reducing stress and restoring wellbeing by V. Burch and D. Penman.
Lauren DeYoe
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Reiki Master
Owner Reiki PT
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