Pain-Science Education: An Overview
Pain-science education is one component of treatment to help explain the biological, psychological and sociological aspects of pain in a way that’s easy to understand.
During treatment, our physical therapists use concepts from evidence-based pain-science research to help you better understand where your pain is coming from, how it is affecting your treatment, and how you can improve your treatment outcomes.
Origins of Pain-Science Education
The original medical model, the Cartesian model, most commonly referred to as the “biomedical model," suggested that pain and severity of injury were connected – so if you’re experiencing more pain, that means you have more tissue damage, and vice-versa.
Although this model addresses the tissue biology of pain, it does not take into account or address the psychological and social factors that can affect pain severity and recovery.
The modern model of pain-science education – referred to as the “biopsychosocial model” – argues that pain is due to the nervous system becoming more sensitive after injury, rather than further injury.
How Pain-Science Education Affects Your Physical Therapy Results
Knowledge
Knowing how pain works takes away much of its power.
You'll be able to use your understanding to fight back against your pain, both inside and outside of treatment.
Resilience
Understanding why and how pain is affecting you builds your resilience toward it.
A fuller understanding of what your body is telling you helps you respond to your body with patience and compassion as you continue on your journey toward recovery.
Combining Both the
Mind & Body
Today's science is now finding much of what ancient cultures knew - the mind and body are interlinked to an incredible degree.
By using both your mind and your body to affect your treatment, you utilize your full potential in regaining your full potential.
Ready for a Comprehensive Physical Therapy Approach?
Whether this is your first physical therapy treatment or you're an experienced physical therapy-goer but want a second opinion, building a better understanding of how pain works and integrating your new understanding into your treatment may make the difference in your recovery.
Drop us a note and start on your new path to recovery today by using the form to your right! A physical therapist will be in touch within one day.