Chronic Pain

 

When treating chronic pain, the type of treatment matters.

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In the last 15 years science has gained a completely new understanding of the mechanisms related to chronic pain.  Finally, we understand why pain can continue many years beyond trauma despite excellent care by physicians and therapists.

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Chronic pain and movement are very closely related.  They are both mechanisms to protect our survival.  When we are in pain we move differently.  Moving differently affects pain.  In fact, even thinking about movement can increase swelling and pain in a joint.[*]

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These new insights guide us to work more directly with the changes that have occurred in the brain.[**]    The brain is very adaptable and fiercely protective. To properly treat chronic pain we use the brain’s ability to adapt while staying under the radar of protective responses.  These techniques are being used in progressive centers worldwide.  I am excited to bring these techniques to Buchanan and to Michiana. 

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[*] “Thinking about movement hurts: the effect of motor imagery on pain and swelling in people with chronic arm pain.” Moseley GL et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2008 May 15;59(5):623-31.)."

[**] More references from peer reviewed journals are available on request.