I thought I was improving, but now I flared up again…. Help!

One of the most challenging aspects of the recovery process is dealing with flares.

Especially for someone dealing with a long-term, chronic issue, a backslide into pain or dysfunction can be incredibly upsetting.

The important thing to remember is that flares are an inevitable and expected part of the recovery process as we push you and your body.

As we begin to peel back layers of dysfunction and compensation strategies, it’s common for the body to respond with irritation or pain. By releasing restricted tissue and starting to use muscles and joints in a way that they’re not used to moving (even if it’s the more “correct” way), some pain can be an inevitable byproduct. 

Don’t despair!

Flares can and will happen. 

But being able to use the toolbox of exercises and strategies you learn here in the office will help you manage the flare more efficiently, and get yourself feeling better more quickly. 

Learning to release physical tension around the area and create more optimal movement patterns – via active stretching, strengthening and breathing techniques - can help to more quickly move out of a state of pain.

Mindset is also a critical piece of the puzzle. 

The science of pain is an incredibly complex topic, which often goes far beyond simple mechanical reasons. 

Pain is our body’s protective strategy and factors range from work or financial stress to relationships, diet, activity levels, and sleep.

Lorimer Mosely, a leading neuroscientist and expert in the field of pain science says:  “Pain is just your brain’s opinion of what’s going on in your body.” 

At FPI our goal is to remind your body + brain that movement is safe!