Transforming Pain into Power

This blog is an invitation to see pain in a new light and understand our experience to better support the needs and unique ways to heal - we are all on our own journey!

A Personal Example

I'd like to use an example of my own experience with burnout, and how my experience could help me better understand my body and mind's imbalances and the ways I felt I needed to support myself. I feel as though there is a purpose to our discomforts, especially if it is one that changes your perspective or way of living. Our nervous systems are built to keep us safe and protected, and are meant to expand and evolve to build resilience and a stronger foundation for our experiences. What I experienced were many symptoms of fatigue, restlessness, thyroid changes and also brain fog. These were all signs from my nervous system to let me know what I needed to bring awareness to and allow my body to heal.

The imbalances that occurred in my experience were leading me to understand the importance of rest, regulation and even self-expression. It requires patience and consistency to work with your symptoms rather than resist them. If we define our symptoms as who we are, then those pain signals will continue to get stronger until we can decide to take inspired action to make the shift or change that our body is trying to tell us. I also felt nudged to seek holistic and wellness forms of healing which also brought a lot of support and nourishment to my whole system.

The Road to Recovery

Finding balance and harmony in the journey of persistent pain is not always linear, and it takes patience, understanding, and self-compassion to take the steps towards a better version of ourselves. Sometimes the simplest action could be taking a short walk and being in meditation, or painting. Self care will look different for each person and is unique to them. Some of the women I work with enjoy going to pilates classes versus a meditation to help bring balance back to the body. Others enjoy taking a bath or being with their grandchildren, which allows them to be in a more receptive and lighter energy.

Key Take-Home Messages

Overall, the key is to understand the pain and its story but not allowing it to define who you are. If we can allow ourselves to express and seek support and listen to the body which will allow the pain to be heard and felt, it will surely begin to change and even soften. This is the power of our innate being and its ability to transform and create more resilience. One of the biggest realizations is the importance of self-compassion and truly being gentle with our experiences.

Pelvic health and orthopedic physiotherapy can especially support the body and its changes in working with pain on a visceral and nervous system level to shift and allow space for pain (and inflammation) to reduce and restore natural balance in the tissues. Remember, physiotherapy is for anyone at any stage in life. Feel welcome to share this information with a friend or someone you know who would benefit. I would love to connect and support you!