Dr John: Why does it hurt?
Patients are often discouraged with rehabilitative care because “it hurts.” Many of the technique’s used in active care are unfamiliar to the patient’s daily activities. Stretching, soft tissue massage and exercise are not typically a part of everyone’s routine. So when a patient says that something “hurts” there are a few things to take into consideration. First, what does “hurt” mean? Is there pain or is the muscle being stretched? Second, are you as the patient following instructions correctly? Most of the time spent in the clinic is used to teach exercises with the intent that the patient will be performing those exercises at home. If the patient does not understand what they are doing, there is a potential for injury. Lastly, everyone’s perception of pain is different. One person’s 5 out of 10 on a pain scale is another’s 1 out of 10.
It is also important to remember that the healing process does create some unwanted effects. Think of when you or someone you know has sprained an ankle. What happened? There was swelling, inflammation and pain. That’s the healing process at work. Inflammation and swelling occur to bring blood to the affected area so that nutrients can feed the injury. Pain is there to say, “Stop using this until it’s fixed.” The process extends into clinical settings as well. When muscles become short and inflexible, the best way to change that is to stretch them. Depending on how short and tight they are stretching is going to be arduous. It is important to remember that sticking to a plan and continuing to exercise and stretch with correct technique will become easier the more you do it. Hurt goes away. Don’t let it stop you from getting to your goals