I remember it like it was yesterday – we were sitting in the car driving to St. Louis and I was so uncomfortable. My back was killing me! What did it mean? Was I going to be able to do the activities we were planning to do that weekend? What did it mean?
I was a fairly new therapist and “This is what it my patients feel” is all I kept thinking. I, of course, knew things I should do, but the fear was still there because I had never had back pain before.
As I’ve developed as a physical therapist, I have learned so much more than what we learn in school about the mind and body, their connection and the power of thought and movement.
PAIN IS A NORMAL PART OF LIFE – you will have it at some point. And that is actually a good thing.
Pain is simply a signal to our body that something isn’t right. It doesn’t mean we should be still – it simply means we slow down and take control instead of letting the panic and fear set it.
So what do we do when we have pain?
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Stay positive – our brains are very powerful and the moment you start thinking negatively, you’ll feel it
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Focus on what you CAN do – find movements that don’t hurt. Go for a walk, find the small wins, move through your appropriate range of motion that is pain free
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Realize you will be able to move and return to the activities you love – just keep moving how your body is comfortable right now. It’s not because you can’t ever do those movements that hurt again, but because we need to work up to that movement and continue to find ways to move workout pain
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Find a professional to help navigate you through this time. They will help you stay positive and guide you through a progression that’s appropriate for your situation
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BREATHE!! It will be ok and your breathing rate is so important – check this instagram post out where I talk about it.
I hope that helps and I hope it eases your mind to know that you can heal! Your body is amazing and sometimes it just needs a little guidance! Empower your mind and body to know it’s ok to keep moving!