The Undisputed Approach to Breaking the Persistent Pain Cycle

Chronic pain is defined as pain persisting for more than three months, lasting beyond the typical healing period. It can significantly impact quality of life, affecting physical abilities, mental health, and social interactions.

Contributors to Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is influenced by a combination of factors:

  • Biological Factors: Ongoing tissue irritation, hypersensitivity, and enhanced pain processing pathways, known as peripheral and central sensitisation, can perpetuate pain.
  • Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, and negative belief systems around fear-avoidance behaviours can lead to deconditioning and a persistent pain cycle.
  • Social Factors: Workplace stress, family dynamics, and lack of social support exacerbate pain.
  • Cognitive Factors: Prior advice or explanations from medical professionals may have been overly nocebic (scares the sh*t out of you), heightening concerns for vulnerable patients trying to understand their pain.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and high stress levels also play a significant role in chronic pain.

Understanding Pain Mechanisms

Our pain system processes signals based on the potential for harm or damage rather than actual damage. Understanding this disconnect is essential for breaking the persistent pain cycle and regaining control.

For a deeper understanding, check out these excellent resources:

What is Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT)?

Cognitive Functional Therapy is a cutting-edge, individualised approach designed to address the complex nature of chronic pain. A 2023 systematic review found that while Cognitive Functional Therapy is not significantly more effective than other interventions for chronic low back pain, it remains a valuable option for addressing multidimensional pain factors (JOSPT). Conversely, another review highlighted low to moderate certainty evidence supporting its effectiveness in reducing pain and disability (PubMed). It integrates:

  • Education about pain mechanisms to reduce fear.
  • Cognitive Strategies to challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about pain.
  • Movement Retraining to restore natural movement patterns and reduce protective behaviours.

By addressing the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of pain, CFT empowers patients to regain control over their bodies and lives.

The Undisputed Approach: Breaking the Persistent Pain Cycle

In order to break the cycle of chronic pain, we follow a phased approach that has been adopted from the most recent literature and our experience working with persistent pain. Our approach is unique as we listen, plan and act, supporting you every step of the way.

Phase 1: Building Foundations

  1. Restore Healthy Sleep: Optimise rest to allow the body to heal and reset.
  2. Address Pain Concerns: Reframe beliefs around pain and its meaning.
  3. Assess Movement: Evaluate painful joints and surrounding areas for mobility.
  4. Identify Stressors: Analyse life stressors contributing to pain.
  5. Create a Personalised Plan: Develop an individualised step-by-step strategy.

Once sleep is optimised and some movement is restored without pain flares, we progress to phase two.

Phase 2: Building Strength and Resilience

  1. Strength Assessment: Identify key areas for improvement.
  2. Add a Strength Program: Introduce gradual, targeted exercises.
  3. Build Strength and Resilience: Focus on progressive overload and functional strength.
  4. Incorporate Cardio: Add fitness exercises to improve overall health.
  5. Optimise Nutrition: Support recovery and resilience with a balanced diet.

As strength and confidence improve, patients transition to phase three.

Phase 3: Return to Life

  1. Reclaim Your Life: Begin reintroducing activities you love.
  2. Challenge Your Body: Test your strength and resilience.
  3. Gain Confidence: Recognise your ability to recover from pain.
  4. Be Unstoppable: Know that you are strong, capable, and resilient.
  5. Be Undisputed: Live your fullest life without limitations.

Take Action Today

If you're living with chronic pain, our expert physiotherapy team in Caringbah can help. With evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Functional Therapy and a structured approach tailored to your needs, we’ll guide you through recovery. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward a stronger future and set yourself free from pain. 

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