Understanding Pain: Why It’s More Than Just Tissue Damage

At Body Flow Physiotherapy, we often hear people say, “I shouldn’t be in this much pain—I didn’t even hurt myself that badly.” That confusion is totally valid. Modern science shows that pain is complex, and it doesn’t always mean your body is damaged.

Let’s unpack what pain really is and why understanding it is the first step to healing.

What Is Pain, Really?

Pain is your brain’s way of protecting you. It’s not just a signal from your body, it’s an output from your brain. Your nervous system gathers information from your body (like pressure, movement, temperature), and your brain decides whether you’re in danger. If it thinks you are, it produces pain to get your attention.

Think of pain like a fire alarm. Sometimes it rings because there’s a real fire (like an injury), and sometimes it rings because someone burnt the toast.

Pain and Damage Are Not the Same Thing

One of the biggest myths is that pain always equals damage. But people can have severe pain with no injury on scans or, the opposite—have a torn disc or arthritis, but no pain at all.

This happens because pain is influenced by many factors:

• Stress or anxiety

• Poor sleep

• Past experiences with injury

• Fear of movement

• Inflammation or chemical changes

• Your beliefs about pain

In other words, pain is not just in your body, it’s also shaped by your environment, emotions, and nervous system.

What Happens in Chronic Pain?

When pain hangs around for longer than expected (usually more than 3 months), it’s called chronic or persistent pain. At this stage, your nervous system becomes more sensitive, even to safe movements or light touch. It’s like the fire alarm gets faulty and starts ringing too easily.

But the good news? The nervous system is adaptable. Just as it became sensitive, it can become less sensitive too with the right strategies.

So How Do We Help You Manage Pain?

At Body Flow Physiotherapy, we focus on:

• Education – helping you understand what’s happening in your body (and why you’re not “broken”)

• Graded movement – building confidence with gentle, progressive exercise

• Nervous system calming – using breathwork, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene

• Strengthening and rehab – when your body is ready

• Pacing and goal setting – so you can do more without flaring up

The Takeaway: You Are Not Fragile

Pain can be scary, but it doesn’t mean your body is damaged beyond repair. When you understand your pain, you’re more in control of it. And with the right support, your body and brain can re-learn safety and strength.

If you’re struggling with pain that won’t go away, we’re here to help.

Let’s work together to calm your nervous system, build resilience, and get you back to doing what you love.

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