Pain perceptions!

As a physiotherapist working in the personal training and online coaching industry - I often come across clients experiencing pain in some shape or form! In fact this was what prompted me to continue educating myself over the years on all things pain and injury where I went on to complete my masters and eventually qualifying as a physiotherapist!

In order to better understand what to do when it comes to managing pain, it can be rather helpful to have a basic understanding of what pain actually is. While there are a multitude of mechanisms occurring when it comes to pain, we can simplify pain as a signal sent through our brain and nervous system that can often occur to alert us to some potential damage of tissues and structures in the area where pain is often localized. What’s important to note here is the word ”potential”.

Pain does not always indicate an injury or any damage to structures or tissues. In fact we can often have structural changes and experience no pain. As more and more research is done, we are starting to get a better grasp of pain and how complex it can be when it comes to the variety of factors that can trigger it! What I often notice with clients is that pain can often occur when our environment has seen a sudden change or there has been a notable increase in workload.

While listening to clients and discussing their current lifestyle and environment, I can often consistently observe some similar characteristics. This is where I will often see clients admit to increased stress levels, poor sleep hygiene and in a lot of cases a sudden shift in activity that the body likely wasn’t ready for. Things like stress, sleep, recovery and wellbeing all play a key role in how our nervous system operates. This can sometimes result in our body becoming more aware and often more sensitive to pain. As a result, people will often panic and cease all activity which can make things worse as we begin to fear movement and start to associate pain with movement. This can leave us feeling more tense, increase our stress levels and often turn what was a short term obstacle into something that can be harder to shake off. 

My advice to most people experiencing pain will of course be to get assessed by the appropriate health professional. What is equally important for me to get across however is this - having a closer look at your lifestyle. Are there areas you can work on to help reduce stress levels, improve your sleep hygiene and find some activities you can manage with minimal discomfort! Our bodies are often more robust and amazingly resilient than we give them credit for!

If you are on the fence about online coaching and want to know a little bit more about the process - just email me the word “ready” and I will be in touch!

I am also delighted to announce that I am now offering an in person Personal Training service at kingfisher fitness club Waterford! Please get in touch through the contact information below or call into reception to check availability and avoid disappointment as spaces are limited! Please visit my new website www.coachedbycashel.com for more info!

Lastly, I would also like to clarify that I am not a registered dietician. All advice disclosed here is simply advisory based on my qualifications as a fitness professional and personal experience and knowledge gained working with individuals and helping them reach their goals. The advice given is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health. 

I hope someone out there found some of this information useful here, just some food for thought. For any questions in relation to this topic or training, nutrition, etc. or for coaching inquiries simply message me on my business page on instagram @coachedbycashel_ or by email - contact@coachedbycashel.com