Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health, but most of us aren’t doing enough.

Statistics show over half of all Australian adults don’t meet the guidelines for physical activity.

The benefits of regular exercise don’t just stop with weight loss. Fitness can also help you:

• lower your blood pressure
•  reduce stress
• sleep better
•  improve your mental health.

Regular exercise can also lower your risk of:

•  heart disease
• high cholesterol
•  type 2 diabetes
•  obesity
• osteoporosis
•  some cancers.

But staying healthy doesn’t mean you need to spend your life in the gym. The recommended guidelines for physical activity and exercise suggest that people aged between 18 and 64 do at least:

1. 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity a week. These are exercises that slightly increase your heart rate (like brisk walking or swimming) OR
2.  1.25 hours of vigorous physical activity a week. These are activities that will have you huffing and puffing (like aerobics, jogging or group sports) OR a combination of the above.

Kick-starting an exercise journey can be tough, but it’s even tougher when you start one only to find that, after a month or two, you can’t stick with it. To overcome this, we’ve put together five tips to help you get going on the right foot.

1. Start off slowly and gradually
While you might be excited to run head-first into your new fitness regime, It is probably best to ease into it to avoid injury and burnout. For the first few weeks, start out with moderate cardiovascular activity one or two times a week.

You may notice that initially your body might be a little stiff and sore. This is normal and it is your body telling you that you’ve started something new. 
The main thing is that it settles relatively quickly, and it generally improves as you do another lot of exercise.
Consistency is the key to build a strong base and so you are not “yo-yo-ing’. Heaps of
exercise then nothing is what causes the issues. And makes injuries more likely. …

2. Find activities that you actually enjoy
You may have tried on different fitness hats in the past—maybe even the one where you drag
yourself out of bed at 6 am for a jog, and find that you can’ maintain the schedule. You will
be much better off long-term finding activities that you actually enjoy.

This could be anything from walking, swimming or dancing to gardening, Or if you fancy, a
6 am jog.

When you actually enjoy your workout, you’re much more likely to stick with it over time.

• Exercise drop-out rates are hard to assess, but one 2012 US study suggests that more than70% of people who create fitness goals quit before achieving them.

And exercise doesn’t have to only be about fitness, It may be a good time to listen to a podcast or an audio book or catch up with friends.

Exercising in a group or meeting a friend for a walk is a great way to keep yourself accountable and you are more likely to stick to it

3. Set realistic goals
Don’t aim for perfection—aim for progress. Set achievable goals based on your current
fitness level and schedule.
Maybe it’s a 20-minute workout three times a week or a daily walk during your lunch break. Small, consistent steps are more sustainable and build long-term habits.

4. Listen to your body
Pay attention to how your body feels. It’s normal to experience some discomfort when
starting a new routine, but sharp pain or extreme fatigue are signs to slow down. Rest when
needed and give your body time to recover- Don’t forget to drink water.

You should immediately stop exercising and seek medical attention if you experience: 

• sharp pain or discomfort
•  chest pain (which might indicate angina or even a heart attack)
• extreme breathlessness
•  very rapid or irregular heartbeats.

5. Incorporate strength training and flexibility work

For more of a challenge other than your daily walk, you can try incorporating strength training and flexibility exercises into your regime.
Strength training helps build lean muscle mass, boosts the metabolism and improves bone
health. Flexibility exercises enhance mobility and reduce the risk of injury.”

These activities include:

•  resistance training
• weightlifting
•  yoga
• Pilates
• exercises that use your bodyweight, such as push-ups and squats.

Our physios can help you develop a program that will be specific to your needs and previous
injuries or health issues.

So don’t go it alone and remember, to have fun and enjoy!!

With the temperatures dropping and the frosty mornings, it's tempting to stay in bed or curl up indoors and avoid exercise. But staying active is crucial and can improve your pain and stiffness!

Here are some practical tips to help you get moving and keep those aches at bay, even when its chilly outside: 
1. Embrace Stretching
Before you dive into your workout, take time for stretching. This helps increase blood flow to
your muscles, making them more flexible and ready for exercise. Focus on gentle stretches
for your neck, shoulders, back, and legs.
​
2. Layer Up
Dressing in layers is key to staying comfortable during cold-weather workouts a moisturewicking underlayer is always a good idea and a wind- and water-resistant outer layer. Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and warm socks to keep extremities cozy. You can always shed layers as you warm up​ 

3. Find Indoor Alternatives
When it’s too cold or icy outside, Don’t give up! have an option switch to indoor activities. Gyms may be an option, but you can also exercise at home. Try bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups, or follow online workout videos. Yoga and Pilates are excellent for building strength and flexibility, and they don’t require much space​.

***You just need to find the exercise level that suits you. Be careful of starting straight into
advanced Yoga or Pilates !! 

Make It Fun
The best exercise is the one you enjoy. Whether it’s dancing around your living room, playing sports, or joining a friend for a walk, find something that makes you smile. Enjoyable activities are easier to stick with, turning exercise from a chore into a highlight of your day.

Set Realistic Goals
Don’t aim for perfection—aim for progress. Set achievable goals based on your current fitness level and schedule. Maybe it’s a 20-minute workout three times a week or a daily walk during your lunch break. Small, consistent steps are more sustainable and build long- term habits.

Listen to your body
Pay attention to how your body feels. It’s normal to experience some discomfort when starting a new routine, but sharp pain or extreme fatigue are signs to slow down. Rest when needed and give your body time to recover. And always keep you water intake up

***You should immediately stop exercising and seek medical attention if you experience: 

• sharp pain or discomfort
• chest pain (which might indicate angina or even a heart attack)
•  extreme breathlessness
•  very rapid or irregular heartbeats.

Incorporate Strength and Flexibility Training
Strength training and flexibility exercises are vital. They help improve muscle tone, joint health, and overall mobility. Incorporate resistance bands, dumbbells, or bodyweight exercises into your routine. Don’t forget to stretch regularly to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness​ 

Stay Consistent
Consistency is key to gaining the benefits of exercise. Make it a habit by scheduling workouts into your daily routine, and hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress.
Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and stay patient—results will come with time and dedication​

Keep Moving
Regular movement is essential for managing pain and stiffness, particularly in cold weather. Whether it’s a walk, a quick workout, or even stretching during TV commercials, every bit helps. Keep your body active and engaged, and you’ll feel the benefits in both your physical and mental health.

• By following these tips, you can stay active, manage pain, and enjoy the benefits of exercise all year round. Don’t let the cold weather hold you back—embrace it as an opportunity to find new ways to stay fit and healthy
• Our physios can help you develop a program that will be specific to your needs, your previous injuries or health issues.

So don’t do it alone and remember, to have fun and enjoy

It’s the dreaded feeling  - the twist, the pop, the pain and the wobbly knee….

Many people have heard about people rupturing their ACL and the subsequent discussions
about surgery, rehab and time off sport (hear.. “season-ending injury“) but do we actually
know the best way to get that knee back to normal?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) provides stability through the knee connecting the
femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). It achieves this by preventing the sliding,
gliding and rotating of the knee joint. If you tear your ACL your knee may become swollen,
painful and feel weak or give way.

The goal of any treatment program is to restore knee stability, improve function and for a
safe return to sport, work and other activities. In the past we believed that to achieve a
good outcome and to get back to pivoting sports (including that social touch footy game), an
ACL reconstruction was required.

Usually, an MRI, a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon and a physio follow the injury in
various orders. And traditionally most active people have undergone an ACL Recon +/-
prehab beforehand and a 9-12 month rehab program afterwards.
Recent research has demonstrated that this “rule” of most people requiring a recon may
need to be rethought….

A new insight into ACL rehab

There have been a number of research projects and documented instances of ACLs healing
and /or people returning to their previous activities (including Elite sports people) without
undergoing an ACL recon and doing Rehab alone. !!!
The issue is we don’t really know just from scanning who will respond well to rehab without
surgery and those who most likely need surgery.

The general consensus is that an initial 3-month Rehab program with or without a bracing
protocol (chat to your health provider about this #crossprotocol #richardsonprotocol ) will
give your ACL the chance to heal (and quite a % do) and to see if you will cope without the
need for surgery. Regardless of surgery or no surgery , you will need to undertake a full
comprehensive program over the next 9-12 months and pass the return to sport tests.
The best thing is that if surgery IS required, and you’ve done the early work your outcomes
after surgery are improved, your muscles will be stronger, you should have good movement,
and all the bleeding and swelling will be gone.

Now let’s answer some questions about the rehab alone option …

Will my knee be “Stuffed” if I don’t get that early surgery?
Studies have shown that there is very little difference in outcomes between ACL
reconstruction surgery and rehab without surgery.

Both treatment options result in similar levels of:

• Knee function (like using stairs, running)
• Knee strength
• Activity levels
• Quality of life
• Knee pain
• Knee symptoms (like stiffness, swelling)
• Additional meniscus surgeries 
• Additional injury to the meniscus

Can I return to sport?

About half of all people with an ACL injury will return to the same level of sport, and this
is the same whether they choose ACL surgery or rehab without surgery
The most common reason people don't return to sport after ACL surgery is a fear of injuring
their knee again​.

***A successful outcome from rehab without surgery will mean that your knee feels great
and you regain full movement and function **** it is not settling for a second-rate
option.

Unfortunately, some people still have knee instability (knee collapsing or giving way under
them) after trialling rehab alone. For these people, there is a risk of damage to other parts
of the knee. In this case, surgery is recommended to prevent further knee damage.

We have grown up with the notion that ACL recons are the gold standard for getting back to
sport and our previous activities.
But ... there are always risks associated with any surgery, so if we can avoid unnecessary
surgery and still get a good outcome – Is this not the best option?
You can always get surgery if you feel your knee is not strong enough… at any time – It is not
an emergency.

The University of Melbourne has developed this great decision tool to help you get a non-
biased opinion and the evidence surrounding the decision to get surgery or to trial rehab.
https://www.aclinjurytreatment.com/treatment-options

If you have any questions/ comments about your options drop it in the comments or send
me a message.

*this advice is general and not specific to your injury. For more information or an
appointment, including telehealth, contact the practice > [email protected]

#TablelandsPhysio #Lithgow #Alliedhealth #ACLrupture #ACLrehab

Unravelling the Mystery: How Your Neck Might Be Causing Your Headaches
Have you ever considered that the nagging headache you can't seem to shake might be caused by something other than … red wine… chocolate… hormones?

The culprit could be your cervical spine- aka your neck!!.

Most days I am told by someone that they have been having ongoing headaches and migraines. Many have had multiple scans and taking a lot of medication. Often this has been ongoing for years! True migraines are really debilitating. But is it always just a chemical imbalance in your brain setting off the pain?

Most headaches sit somewhere on the continuum between a cervicogenic (neck) headache and a migraine. Having the option to reduce the pain by treating your neck can be game changing for people’s lives.

Understanding the Cervical Spine-Headache Connection
1. The Role of Muscles and Joints: The neck is a complex network of muscles and joints. Poor posture, prolonged screen time, or even stress can lead to muscle tightness and joint irritation in the neck. This tension can result in pain that radiates upwards
into your head, manifesting as a headache.

2. Nerve Pathways: The top of the cervical spine is a nerve centre, where many nerve pathways converge. If any of these nerves are irritated, they can send pain signals to your head.

3. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain is felt in a location different from its actual source,known as referred pain. A classic example is a cervicogenic headache, where the source of the headache is in the neck, but the pain is felt in the head.

What Does This Mean for You?
Understanding this connection is vital, especially if you're someone who frequently experiences headaches. It opens up new options for relief and treatment. A thorough assessment and treatment by a physio to help determine the cause, changes in posture and neck exercises could make a significant difference.

Taking Action
If you're suffering from persistent headaches, consider it might be coming from your neck.
Treatment directed at your neck might hold the key to alleviating your pain and it will be a simple way to help diagnose if your pain is a cervicogenic headache (caused by the neck).
A balanced approach involving hands on treatment, exercises and professional advice can offer much-needed relief.
Remember, your headache may be caused by your neck!
To organise a time to assess your ongoing headaches book online or call the practice 0263523131.

​As we come out the other side of winter sports and dive into summer sports, now might be the time to upskill on some injury prevention programs. At Tablelands Physio, we're excited to spotlight game-changing injury prevention programs that are revolutionising athlete injury prevention and performance at all levels.


🔥 Spotlight: The Programs Pioneering Change 🔥

1. Rugby's Activate Initiative:
   An astounding breakthrough, the Activate program in Rugby has taken the sports world by storm. Achieving a 40% reduction in injuries, this initiative delves beyond mere prevention. By addressing strength, agility, and the unique demands of rugby with its "Key Activate 8" cues, it's setting a new standard in sports safety.
2. Football Australia's Perform+:
   Going beyond the goal, Perform+ ensures players are match-ready and injury-resistant. With its dual emphasis on injury prevention and athletic enhancement, it's a holistic approach to football safety, ensuring a 40% reduction in muscle-related injuries.
3. Netball's Knee Program:
   Changing the dynamics of the game, this program is designed to shield the pivot points of netball. With a focus on the knees and ankles—Netball's high-risk zones—it's been proven to reduce ACL injuries between 40-70%.
4. SSMA's Hockey Blueprint:
   Agility meets safety in Hockey's latest venture with SSMA. Addressing the sport's unique set of challenges, this collaboration has seen a commendable 25% reduction in on-field injuries.

🧠 Mental Fortitude: The Unsung Hero
The symbiotic relationship between mental and physical well-being cannot be stressed enough. A reduction in injuries not only ensures physical health but also paves the way for heightened mental resilience. As we always say, a sound mind in a sound body is the best defense against injuries.


💡 Quick Safety Tips:

• Adherence to programs like Activate and Perform+ is crucial.
• Tailor your warm-ups; it's about quality, not quantity.
• Open communication lines between coaches and players are vital and injuries identified and managed early.

As we wrap up this edition, remember, prevention is better than cure. Playing sport does not have to result in injuries.  If you're interested and want to delve deeper into these prevention programs, our team at Tablelands Physio is here to assist.
Stay sporty, stay safe, and see you in the next edition!
Warm Regards,
The Tablelands Physio Team
 

​
Are you gearing up for knee surgery? 

The thought of surgery can be intimidating, but remember - preparation is key. An integral part of this preparation is assembling a dedicated team of professionals, including a physiotherapist and exercise physiologist. These experts can significantly enhance your surgical outcome and streamline your post-surgery rehabilitation. 

So why choose Tablelands Physio? Here are THREE compelling reasons that illustrate how we can ensure a smoother recovery journey for you:

1. Personalized Prehab and Rehab Program: Every patient is unique, and so should be their recovery plan. Our experienced physiotherapists design a rehabilitation program that's tailored to your specific needs. Our focus? Strengthening the muscles stabilizing your knee and lower leg, enhancing joint range, reducing swelling, and boosting overall fitness pre-surgery.

2. Effective Pain Management Techniques:  Pain management is critical both before and after surgery. Our team will equip you with various pain control strategies, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and other modalities. Our goal is to empower you, helping you manage your pain and symptoms effectively.

3. In-depth Education and Continued Support: Knowledge is indeed power. We believe in empowering our patients with a comprehensive understanding of their condition and the recovery process. Our team is always here to address your concerns, answer questions, and guide you through any challenges that might arise during rehabilitation.

Remember, being informed and supported translates to better surgical outcomes. Don’t face your knee surgery journey alone.  The team at Tablelands Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy is dedicated to guiding you along your recovery path. Our commitment to personalized pre and post-surgery plans, innovative pain management strategies, swift rehabilitation, and thorough education makes us a trusted choice for many.

Reach out to us today, and let's work together towards restoring your mobility and reclaiming your active lifestyle. 

Stay strong and healthy!!

Every day we encounter numerous cases of knee injuries - from sports mishaps to everyday wear and tear. If you've recently experienced a knee injury, we want to assure you that you're not alone and the team at Tablelands Physio are here to help! 

The first line of action for any knee injury is to seek a professional assessment from a physiotherapist. They will evaluate your condition and, if needed, may recommend further diagnostic procedures. 

A common question that arises is, "Do I need surgery?"  If we think a surgical review is beneficial, we'll initiate a detailed discussion with you and your doctor. It's important to remember that not every knee injury needs surgery. Many that we have traditionally thought need surgery, such as an ACL rupture or a meniscal tear, may not require surgery. In fact, a comprehensive prehabilitation program can often help you avoid the operating room! 

However, if surgery is the best course, remember that knee surgery usually isn't an emergency, so you have plenty of time to explore your options and make an informed decision. 

Here are some proven strategies to assist your recovery:

1. Tailored Rehab Program: Let's work together to develop a program that targets strengthening your knee muscles, enhancing mobility, and decreasing swelling. A balanced approach to exercise is key - too much too soon can increase pain, while too little might hamper your recovery. 

2. Nutrition:  It's time to embrace a healthy diet! Foods rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals accelerate tissue healing. Incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation and make sure to hydrate often. Let's sideline alcohol for a while, as it can slow down your healing progress. 

3. Sleep:  Adequate sleep not only feels great but also significantly aids recovery. Quality sleep enhances muscle recovery, helps manage pain, and controls inflammation. So make sure you're getting those restful 7-9 hours every night.

Remember, our bodies are incredible healers. With the right rehab program, nourishing diet, and ample sleep, you'll be giving your knee - and your overall health - the best chance at a speedy recovery. Let's get back to doing what we love, together! 

Stay strong and healthy!

Physiotherapists diagnose and manage a broad range of conditions with the bones, muscles, cardiovascular system, nerves and other parts and systems of the body. They can help people to manage chronic diseases, give lifestyle advice, prescribe exercises and prescribe aids to help people manage better.
Physiotherapy also use physical techniques to improve movement, reduce pain and stiffness, speed up the healing process and increase quality of life.
We have listed just a few of the areas that physiotherapists can treat. If you are interested in finding out if we can help you, get in contact w​ith us!

Incorporating regular strength training into your exercise program has a multitude of benefits including:

• Increased muscle strength and mass which is important for building and maintaining your capacity to complete activities of daily living, engage in competitive or recreational sport, and maintain your independence as you age.
  
• Increased bone density and overall bone health resulting from the forces placed on the bones during strength training which stimulates the growth of new bone cells.
  
• Improved control and management of chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression and anxiety among many others.

Ideally, strength exercises should be completed at least twice per week, consisting of different exercises targeting all the major muscle groups. Aim to complete 2-4 sets of 8-15 repetitions for most exercises.

You should have a couple of repetitions in reserve at the end of each set, if you are struggling to reach the number of reps you aimed for you need to make the exercise easier, and if you could easily do 5 or more reps than you did, it is time to make the exercise harder to ensure you continue to challenge the muscles and make progress.

If you don't have weights at home you can use anything from around the house; A backpack/shopping bag filled with items, big bottles of water or even just a brick.

​☎️ 6352 3131
✉️ [email protected]
ℹ️ www.tablelandsphysio.com.au

Do you have exercise and activity related goals you need help achieving? We have a highly qualified team of Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists who are experienced working with NDIS clients to help them achieve their goals.

This may be to increase strength, to get out and do the shopping, be able to walk up and down the stairs or even just gaining confidence to get out and about.

We work with so many different people and individualise their programs to their goals in a fun and creative way.

Pictured in the video is little superstar, Noah, who was referred to us to help regain his strength, coordination and confidence. He has been working hard alongside Physiotherapist, Mali to achieve these goals.

Please don’t hesitate to get in contact if you have any questions.
​☎️ 6352 3131
✉️ [email protected]
ℹ️ www.tablelandsphysio.com.au

So, what to do?

Sal’s 10 step plan: 

1. Relative rest, (not bed rest) is best for a couple days, hot water bottles are lovely, regular anti-inflams/Panadol (if you can take these) - keep changing positions, try and keep any pain in your leg at a minimum, some gentle walking if you can, is also good idea. 

2.You are generally better to lie down for a short rest than hang out on the lounge or recliner. Positions that lessen the leg pain are better. 

3. Gently try and get moving. Back movements are good and won’t cause any damage. Lie on your tummy if you can and come up onto your elbows.  Using a heat pack can help make this easier. Just lie there for 10 mins if you’re feeling ok. Up and down a few times over the time. Or try lying on your back and rolling your knees side to side. 

4.   Any position/stretch that lessons the leg pain or gets better after you do a few, then they are the ones to start with – little and often rather than a stack, then nothing. You can’t hurt yourself doing these. All the gentle movement is fabulous and helps to move any inflammation and swelling away.

5. Know that it will get better. 

6. Pain is an interpretation of signals sent to our brains - messages are sent from the back to the brain. People in pain have their brain “lit up” on scanning. The inputs from the back is just one of these lights. There is a whole back pain network in your brain.  Other things that contribute to “lighting up your brain” include other stresses, anxiety, depression and frustration.  Things that improve or reduce this brain sensitivity are things that make you happy, calm, and less stressed. Change any of these more negative emotions to a positive one and aches and pains can reduce. Control what you can and let the rest go. 

7. All pains and injuries involve the immune system. Pain can cause your immune system to become a bit out of balance. Anything that is good for the immune system will help your body cope with the pain. Immune healthy behaviors include working out ways to cope, graduated exercise, anti-inflammatory foods, laughter, sleep well, any interaction with nature, less alcohol (a glass of wine is ok, just not a bottle) and avoid drugs with opioids in them (these can make you more sensitive over time).

8. Challenge your perception about how bad it was initially  

9. Seek the knowledge and treatment that will provide you with a well-rounded program including ways to reduce your pain, exercises, self-management strategies and advice to get you back doing the things you love, as soon as possible. The correct team of health professionals around you and supporting you is invaluable. (They will also help you with the correct plan of attack if things are not going to plan) .

10. Did I mention … Keep Moving? 

If this helps you or raises more questions, we are always here to answer questions and help you decide the correct treatment pathway. 

Look after yourself.

Sally 
APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Director, Tablelands Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy  


☎️ 6352 3131
✉️ [email protected]
ℹ️ www.tablelandsphysio.com.au



*** Please note this is generalised advice for people with back pain, not specific to your case. Please contact your local physio or healthcare professional if you are concerned about any of your symptoms or if they are increasing. The quicker you get on top of this the better. ***
​

In Australia at any one time, 25% of the population report low back pain and 20% report neck pain.  A large proportion of people are working in front of a computer– even those “active” tradies. Combine this with many more working from home, it’s no wonder that we are treating a large proportion of people with headaches and back and neck pain – often associated with increased sitting.  

Our bodies are not designed to sit and be static for long periods, but many peoples work demands (and Netflix addiction) means we are sitting more. 

This is a list of things you can do to help you cope with too much sitting. Remember the main thing is our bodies like movement, regardless of how good our desk set-up is. 

1. Start with your chair: it is better if it’s adjustable, but you can use cushions or a towel rolled up behind your back to give support (and sit back in your chair!).
2. Feet flat on the ground: or use a footrest/books etc so your feet aren’t dangling. 
3. Forearms need to be parallel with the desk (this is where the cushion under your bum may be helpful, to adjust the height. 
4. If using a computer monitor, it needs to be an arms-length away and eyes to top third. 
5. Laptops: push it back a bit more to reduce the amount you look down or even better put it up on a box/books, anything you can find and use an external keyboard/mouse. 
6. Mouse and keyboard about 10-15cm from the edge to give your arms support 
7. Try and keep the mouse just off to the side and keyboard relatively flat, so your wrists are in a “neutral position” – look at any extreme angles one way or another. 
8. Get up and move: use the kitchen bench for a standing desk, the height of the monitor is the same as when sitting, look at the top 1/3 
9. Take phone calls standing or even zoom meetings 
10. Have regular breaks.

Some Extra Tips:
a) Eyes - Look 20 metres away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes (20,20,20 rule).
b) MOVE – get up and move every hour for 5-10 minutes and have a minimum  30minute break at lunch time
c) Try to go for a 30 minute walk every work day - your body and brain will love you for it. 
 

Sally 
APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Director, Tablelands Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy  


☎️ 6352 3131
✉️ [email protected]
ℹ️ www.tablelandsphysio.com.au

​

1. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sedentary
2. https://corporateworkhealth.com.au/

In life we are connected to many things at different times. Our most meaningful connections come from our friends and family. Unfortunately, for those with chronic pain, these connections can feel damaged. Pain can make you feel isolated or lonely. This can be both real or perceived and only becomes more common with age, just as rates of chronic pain increase with age.
A sense of connection is vital for those suffering from chronic pain. Being in a constant, or near constant state of pain decreases opportunities for social interaction and involvement in group activities. Often this can be due to a lack of understanding from friends and family as to how pain impacts an individual’s life and function. It can be very challenging to understand how it feels to live with chronic pain if you have not experienced it. This loss of understanding leads to feelings of isolation: from the community, from friends, and even from family. People with chronic pain often feel as though they should just ‘get over it’ or ‘push through the pain’. However, this often only leads to an increase in pain and further isolation.
This feeling of disconnect is also common when seeking professional help. Its not uncommon for people with chronic pain to feel ostracised or dismissed by the medical community. For effective treatment of chronic pain conditions and disorders health professionals need to understand the importance of connection in treatment. That is connection between themselves and the person in pain, as well as connection to other members of the healthcare team; always with the patient at the centre, calling the shots.
Another level of connection that is important when talking about chronic pain is a person’s connection to their own body and psychological state. Its important to develop an understanding of our own pattern of pain. Knowing exactly much you can do without causing a flare up of pain is a vital part rebuilding connection with others. It can also help to provide you to build your ability to own your pain, rather than letting your pain own you. People suffering from chronic pain can feel like they have no control over their lives. Gaining a better connection and understanding of their pain can help to return a sense of control to those who may have felt that they had none.

Amalia Rawson
Physiotherapist
B.Physio

☎️ 6352 3131
✉️ [email protected]
ℹ️ www.tablelandsphysio.com.au
​