Persistent Pain

Does this sound like you?

Most people have several of these, not all of them.

• Pain continuing well beyond expected healing times
• Pain that spreads beyond the original area
• Unpredictable flare-ups without an obvious trigger
• Ordinary touch or movement hurting more than it should
• Fatigue, poor sleep and reduced tolerance for activity

Why it happens

• An initial injury where the pain system stayed sensitised after healing
• Repeated flare-ups reinforcing a protective pattern
• Fear of movement leading to deconditioning, which increases pain
• Poor sleep, which measurably lowers pain thresholds
• Stress, low mood and anxiety, which are contributors rather than causes

What we would do about it

Roughly in this order — each step waits for the one before it.

1. A clear explanation of why the pain persists, which is genuinely therapeutic
2. Graded activity that builds tolerance without repeatedly provoking flares
3. Pacing strategies to break the boom-and-bust cycle
4. Movement and strength work reintroduced at a manageable level
5. Sleep and stress strategies as part of the plan, not an afterthought
6. Working with your GP and other providers where a team approach is needed