Entering the Matrix – the Neuromatrix!

I really enjoyed reading Elyse Fitzpatrick’s, “Idols of the Heart: Learning toLong for God Alone.”  In it she does a really good job of explaining, in very understandable language, what the Bible means when it uses the word “heart.”  That is a word that we tend to use a good deal and you may have even heard people teach about it at church.

The idea is that the word heart in the Bible has an incredibly rich meaning that I can only touch on here.  Please see the book for a more in depth treatment.  Basically the heart refers to our non material self and is loosely described as having:

         

·       Intellect

·       Affections

·       Will

The intellect refers to what we think – and we are always thinking.  We are constantly told in scripture that thinking is very important.  Look at these well known verses:

(Rom 12:2)  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of     your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

(Php 4:8)  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things

As you can see – the Bible teaches that what we think is incredibly important.  What we think tends to show up in our speech and life.  It is not only biblical – it makes sense as well.

Not only do we have thoughts – we have Affections as well.  The term does not refer to nice thoughts as much as it does to our deeply seated emotions and emotional attachments to things and ideas.  We can love the world the flesh and the devil (Eph 2:1-3) in the sense that we have a deep attachment to them.  We can also love the LORD our God with all our heart, mind, and strength (Dt 6:5).

There is always the ever present will.  We always make a decision to do or not to do.  This is perhaps most famously demonstrated in the decision of Adam and Eve in the garden when they partook of the “fruit.”  We see a radically different one made by Jesus when he was tempted by the Devil in Luke 4.  Joshua commanded the people to “Choose this day.”

Compare this with the following picture of the Neuromatrix.  It is the attempt of psychology and pain science to explain the phenomena of pain.  On the left side it shows the input to the neuromatrix.  They use this word to describe the brain.  On the right side they show the output of the brain which is based on the input on the left side.

The left side of the diagram show input from our:

·       Cognitive-related brain areas

·       Sensory Signaling Systems

·       “Emotion-related brain areas.” 

The way this works is that each of these 3 types of input go into the brain/neuromatrix.  Let’s see how this works from this perspective.

The first input mentioned comes from our thoughts.  What we think has a huge effect on what we are going to experience in the realm of pain.  If we are told that a particular tissue is responsible for what we are feeling we get that idea firmly planted in our thinking.  If we saw horrible things happen to someone having a pain like ours we are likely to link that idea in our mind to our own situation.  This goes into the neuromatrix mixing bowl.

The second area on the left input to the neuromatrix is the actual sensory input carried by nerves from our tissues.  There may be inflammation or lack of blood and oxygen to a particular area.  The nerves transmit this information to our brain/neuromatrix – the mixing bowl.

The third input to the neuromatrix comes from our Emotion-related brain areas.  They call this the Limbic System.  Let’s say you saw aunt Sally fall from a ladder and hurt her back. 

She was bed ridden for some time and could only get around in a wheel chair.  When you now fall you remember that feeling – in fact now feel the same way after your fall.  This is a potent addition to the neuromatrix mixing bowl. 

This is all mixed and baked in the brain and the individual ingredients now serve in this mixture to give an output from your brain’s oven of a pain experience.  You may also have an output of movement and stress related chemical soup.

I have read a good deal about the neuromatrix theory from some real sharp atheists.  I don’t know what the developers of the concept thought about the existence of our common Creator.  What I do know is that we all live in the same created universe and that as we look at the same material we are bound to get a few things right.  I believe that the concept of the neuromatrix is in essential agreement with scripture and can be adapted easily to our purposes for pain relief.

The Cognitive concept certainly fits well with the intellectual information that the biblical concept has.  The actual input from our tissue via nerves is in no way disagreed with in scripture.  It is certainly clear from scripture that we have deeply rooted affections.  Jonathan Edwards actually wrote a great book entitled Religious Affections.  It is available at the time of this writing for .99 in a kindle edition and is well worth the read.

The purpose of this post is to give you an understanding of what leads to pain.  In other articles we will discuss what can actually be done for it. We will utilize this information in those posts.  I hope you will seek out the books mentioned here and look forward to the more that is to come!

Scientific Skepticism and the Christian Massage Therapist

It is a very interesting time to be a Christian Massage Therapist.  There are very few resources for a Christian who is also a Massage Therapist to utilize that are specific to my discipline.  The only one I am aware of is a small Christian Massage Therapists group on Facebook that I am a part of.  Aside from that we have to depend on resources that are not specifically dealing with the issues we face. 

One of the newer things we are facing is the emergence of science based massage therapists who consider themselves to be Scientific Skeptics.  They even have their own group on Facebook but a number of them are active in other groups as well.  Many of them are very articulate and appear well educated. 

I often appreciate the contributions they make in threads.  They frequently deal with massage related issues using the tools of logic and the scientific method.  They frequently post or at least mention specific articles and research.  I think we need more of that in our profession.

As Christians, we too appreciate logic and science – or at least we should.  The problem is that we place a different value on these tools and we use them differently.  Let me explain.

A Christian worldview entails that we believe what the scriptures teach.  We accept that on the authority of God’s word revealed in the Bible.  It gives us an interpretive grid.  Our goal is to, in the words of the Apostle Paul, “Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” Let me try to explain.

If you were to enter my house from any of its 3 doors you would see certain indications of where you are at.  If you come through my basement door immediately on your left would be an old VCR tape of my wedding.  A little farther is a case with medals I earned in my time in the Army Reserve.  Surrounding  you would be bookcases on 3 of the walls with my name on the inside of many of those books.  If you entered by the garage door you would find a number of filing cabinets with my files inside and yes…another couple of bookcases.  Coming through the front door you will pass a mailbox with my name on the mail.  Immediately coming through the door you would find my computer with my documents and a few more bookcases – again- with my name on the inside covers. 

You could try coming in by landing on the roof and rappelling in through the windows.  If you come in through the bathroom window my name is on my toothbrush and on the prescriptions in the medicine cabinet.  It would be similar coming in by the other windows.  There are marks of my ownership everywhere from the name on my diplomas and my recently earned degree to the message on my phone.

It would be incredibly difficult to come into my home and to think it was anything other than my home.  You could not pretend otherwise and be believable.  It simply is not sensible to think anything else.  It is that way with the world we live in and how we know of God.  Psalm 19:1-6 tells us:

The heavens declare the glory of  God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.

Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,

Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.

Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The very heavens declare God’s glory – they testify of him.  The passage tells us that this information is inescapable.  It is everywhere we turn to look.  A similar passage appears in Romans 1:18-32 (I won’t quote the entire passage):

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened…..(there is a long list of sins here)…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

This passage goes even farther and tells us that all men everywhere know 4 things:

         

o   God exists

o   He is powerful

o   He has a law

o   They deserve to be punished for breaking that law

This knowledge is a guilty knowledge because they hold down or suppress this truth – in unrighteousness.  Verse 28 is particularly telling, “they did not like to retain God in their knowledge.” I mention this in regard to scientific skepticism because the Bible teaches that they are deliberately holding down the truth in unrighteousness and denying the first principles that should inform life in this world.  Yet they are walking around in God’s world with all of the evidences of his ownership and creation and they pretend that He does not exist.

The tenants of scientific skepticism include atheism and a belief that only the material world actually exists.  This is no worldview for a Christian – and it is a worldview.  People accept a worldview at face value.  It is a foundation that all of their thought rests upon so they do not question it. 

This is where we must part company.  We know from scripture as well as from creation that The God of the Bible created all things and that all 3 members of the Trinity were active in it.  Rather than holding down the truth in unrighteousness – we acknowledge that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…(Prov. 1:7)” The entirety of our worldview arises from God’s revelation of himself to us.

This God has created a world that makes sense.  It is a cause and effect place.  It is a reflection of him and as such it manifests order and we can make sense of it by applying the laws of logic that arise from his character and apply the scientific method to understand his creation.  Creation is his house and the facts are not there for just any interpretation.  Much like you can’t come into my house and deny it belongs to me and give a history of my possessions that has no basis in reality – so the Skeptic has no business falsely interpreting God’s creation.

The Skeptic believes that they can use the scientific method to understand reality.  As Christians we would agree because we ground this understanding in the fact that God has created a cause and effect world and it is understandable.  The Skeptic can’t justify his use of the scientific method.  The method requires that we live in a cause and effect world.  They have nothing to base this on – it is an assumption.  They do not know if they will run into a new fact that will disprove what they are saying. 

If reality is only physical we have no grounding or foundation for the laws of logic.  The law of contradiction – A is not non A - is the foundation of logic.  It is only possible to ground this concept in the character of God himself.  It is not physical and can not be subject to the scientific method.  It simply has no reason for existence.

We know from God’s revelation of Himself in his creation and in his word that there is non-physical existence.  The laws that govern our thought are revelatory of his character.  We use them regularly as he expects us to.

What does this have to do with massage therapy?  It has a good deal to do with what we think about the person on our treatment table.  I can look at them as a unique creation of God that I have an opportunity to help.  I believe that my actions during that time have significance and will have predictable results.  If the Skeptic is right that person has no more significance beyond any other thing that happens to exist.  They are just there and meaning is an illusion. 

At the end of the day we have to ask ourselves – can I live according to what I believe?  As a believer that is an easy answer.  God has created me and I have a purpose.  Skeptics can only deal with physical existence.  At the end of the day they want to believe they have meaning and purpose.  Their worldview does not allow that.  Jesus does.  He died for sinners and paid the price for unbelief.

Pain: How do we understand it - Tom Myers presentation critiqued by Jason Erickson,NCTMB, CMT, ACE-CPT, CES, CAIST, BBA, BA, AA

The following video of Tom Myers was the subject a Facebook thread I participated in.  The information presented was not in any way, shape, or form in accordance with current science based understanding of this issue.  Jason Erickson, NCTMB, CMT, ACE-CPT, CES, CAIST, BBA, BA, AA  gave the response below.  I consider it to be a very thorough refutation of Myers position.  

Myers is not being attacked - but his ideas are.  This is as it should be.  Mr Erickson posted this to YouTube and it was removed.  I consider his response to be of sufficient magnitude that I would like it preserved here for future reference.  I received specific permission from Jason to publish this here.  It is my hope that it will be read and introduce many to real pain science and give a foundation for further learning.

Tom Myers - Why Does Massage Hurt

This video really disappointed me. A while back, I invited Tom Myers to participate in discussions of pain science with people that have serious credentials and expertise in pain science. He didn't participate for long. It now appears that he never did learn anything from the resources made available to him.

He has a personal definition of pain, and it's not accurate because there can be pain without "a motor intention to withdraw". The best current definition of pain used around the world is from the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) taxonomy:

"Pain

An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage."

http://www.iasp-pain.org/Taxonomy?navItemNumber=576

I am glad that he acknowledges the presence and role of the free nerve endings in nociception, but he seems to think that nociception and pain are the same thing, as if they are strictly a biological phenomenon. This is also not true.

From the IASP taxonomy:

"Nociception*

The neural process of encoding noxious stimuli.

Note: Consequences of encoding may be autonomic (e. g. elevated blood pressure) or behavioral (motor withdrawal reflex or more complex nocifensive behavior). Pain sensation is not necessarily implied."

Nociception is unfiltered, raw data. It is not a sensation. Some reflexive responses can be triggered locally or at the nerve root, but there is no sensation until the brain interprets the incoming data. Whether or not nociception is transmitted to the brain is mediated at the spinal cord level, and the significance of what the brain receives is mediated by many different parts of the brain associated with memory, cognition, emotions, learning, sensation, motor control, etcetera. If something else demands higher brain priority due to psychosocial contexts, the brain may "ignore" that nociception altogether.

That contextual interpretation of the raw sensory input is a critical part of whether or not the brain generates the sensation of pain. In this video, Tom refers to yoga practitioners experiencing strong sensations that could be uncomfortable/intense but not painful. He also states that those who are "reaching their physiological limits" may experience pain.

Those new to yoga, who have not yet become comfortable with the poses and practices, often lack the contextual learning that would facilitate performing yoga without pain. The practice of yoga (or other strenuous physical disciplines) trains the nervous system to interpret sensory data with a greater discrimination between what represents threat and what does not.

Like Tom, I do not believe in the "No pain, no gain," approach to bodywork. I'm more of a "No pain, more gain," therapist.

I strongly disagree with Tom's unfounded assertion that there are "three types of pain": "pain coming into the body", "pain stored in the body", and "pain leaving the body". He's just stating his personal philosophy and metaphors/analogies/stories... let's look at each one:

1) "Pain coming into the body": Here, Tom seems to think that pain is something that is inevitable from the moment our tissues are affected in some way. No. We have known since the 1960s that pain is not an input, and that the nervous system modulates whether or not we feel pain, and to what extent - that is what precipitated the publication of the Gate Control model of pain. However, even then the authors knew it was flawed and limited, and did not explain many known pain conditions. It is true that nociception can be very important in the processes that result in the sensation of pain, and the term "nociceptive pain" would seem to cover what Tom is talking about here.

From the IASP taxonomy:

"Nociceptive pain*

Pain that arises from actual or threatened damage to non-neural tissue and is due to the activation of nociceptors.

Note: This term is designed to contrast with neuropathic pain. The term is used to describe pain occurring with a normally functioning somatosensory nervous system to contrast with the abnormal function seen in neuropathic pain."

Note the mention of neuropathic pain. Nothing is "entering the body", it's already part of the body. There is much more to be said about it, but I'll leave it at that.

2) "Pain stored in the body": Tom basically says this is experienced as fatigue, malaise, and postural changes... but not as pain. Here he is misinterpreting changes in posture/movement as pain instead of as non-painful co-occurring symptoms. As an analogy, it makes a crude kind of sense, but if we're going to think clearly about our terminology and the underlying processes of pain and altered motor control, then we need to avoid this sort of thing.

A body under stress with a nervous system that is constantly/chronically interpreting threat(s) from incoming somatosensory input will normally make adaptive changes including autonomic physiological responses (altered, often increased sensitivity to sensory inputs, altered hormone levels, circulatory changes, breathing habits, etcetera). These have enormous impacts on how we experience the world. Our postures, habitual movements, gaiting, balance, coordination, etcetera may be impacted as well.

I do tend to agree with Tom that the body often attempts to arrange itself so that it feels less threatened. (He says "pain" but I think I understand what he's trying to say.) These changes in physical arrangement are not always associated with pain, however, and may not be subject to a physical "release". There are psychosocial dimensions that Tom is not addressing here that are at least as important as anything that can be done manually.

3) "Pain leaving the body": This is the least clear portion of Tom's talk. My interpretation is that he is primarily referring to mental/emotional experiences that are uncomfortable, and that he seems to think it's important for a person to have some sort of "remembering" of prior trauma (either as physical sensation, emotions, or whatever) during their treatment(s).

I am very concerned about this part, because he says he believes that people can't be treated for pain without them having some sort of intense physical/mental/emotional re-experiencing of the prior trauma. In my experience, that's patently NOT TRUE, and I would NEVER, EVER plant that idea in a client's head. Doing so may actually make it more difficult to help them, and possibly even make their pain worse by creating a false expectation that might never be fulfilled... and then the client may never recover fully.

Also, massage therapists/bodyworkers should never have the intention of inducing such a mental/emotional response in a client. In doing so, we may actually re-traumatize them. That could make their issue(s) much, much worse. Besides, it is outside of our scope(s) of practice. We are not mental health professionals, and should never seek to pretend otherwise.

Instead, it would be better to never mention this idea to a client, and just work with them. If they have such an experience, just be a caring professional and give them a safe space for it as appropriate. If they have questions about such things, just let them know it happens now and then. Sometimes it's minor, but for some people it can be pretty intense. Keep some tissues handy just in case. Don't make it a big deal. It's their experience, so let them decide how significant it is in their recovery process.

Tom also seems to think that we are walking around holding the collective traumas of all of our ancestors as "stored pain"... but then he veers into historical contexts that are effectively social contributions to how we think, feel, and move... and ends by saying that he thinks personal trainers should help "get the pain out" through exercise. As a personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist who has helped many training clients get through their rehab process, I agree that movement and training can be very effective ways of reducing/overcoming pain.

In some ways, parts of Tom's descriptions of his "three types of pain" correlate with different aspects of the biopsychosocial notion of pain that is rapidly becoming the dominant model for understanding how pain works and how to treat those who have pain. The Neuromatrix Model of Pain, authored by Dr. Ronald Melzack (who also coauthored the Gate Control Model), lays out a rough blueprint for understanding how biological, psychological, and social factors all contribute to how/whether we experience discomfort, and why.

There is a link to a paper "Pain" about pain and the historical development of pain science (also authored by Ronald Melzack, with Joel Katz), in the comments pinned to the top of this page (That was in the original FB post - here is that link:  Pain Article by Melzack & Katz. It's an excellent read, and if you've read this long post, you'll be just fine with that paper.

Though my personal interactions with Tom have been positive, I think there is more value in studying the actual pain science than there is in listening to him talk about pain. I like some of the hands-on methods he teaches, but I think the reasoning demonstrated in this video is severely flawed by lack of modern medical knowledge about pain, what it is, how it works, and why.

This is to Jasons Page Jason Erickson

Healing and Healers Part 1

I often have people question me about friends and people they know who are suffering.  They don’t understand why their friend or loved one is going through whatever it is that is happening “to them.” It is one of the “Why God?” questions that comes up often.  How ought we as Christians respond?

I never tell a person that I know why they are suffering.  God has not given me that knowledge.  I do make people aware of some of the following material so that they can think about the issues from a more biblical perspective.  There may well be more explanations than I write about.  This subject may very likely require a few posts to deal with the many issues involved.  Stay tuned!  But for now – well here goes!

The big reason many people jump at for an explanation is that the person afflicted is in some type of sin and that this is the punishment involved.  We certainly have many illustrations in scripture of people being judged for their sin.  Miriam became a leper in Numbers 12 for her complaining about Moses.  The children of Israel were bitten by snakes in Numbers 21 for speaking against God.  Instances of this type can be easily multiplied.

The problem is that this is not the only cause for suffering.  I often think of the man born blind in John 9.  Look at this amazing interchange:  Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth.  And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.”

This grown man had suffered his entire life for at least one incredibly significant purpose.  People have spoken of this man for over 2,000 years.  He suffered so “that the works of God should be revealed in him.” Christ did his works so “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The prophesy was that the Messiah would in the words of Isa 35:5  “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped” open the eyes of the blind. This man’s blindness helped demonstrate that Jesus was indeed the Christ! Basically the point is – no sin here, God chose to be revealed specifically in this man.

I love the book of Job.  Job loses everything – family, fortune, and especially respectability.  It’s hard to look or feel respectable when your scraping your sores with broken pottery {Job 2:8} and your breath is offensive to your wife {Job 19:17}.  Job was being tested for his faithfulness.  Generations have read his story, felt his pain, and learned from his experience.  Far from being punished for his sin, Job was made an example of faithfulness to God’s people for millennia.  The thing I personally find so amazing is that, in this life, Job never knew why things were happening to him.

Paul was an incredibly effective and important apostle.  He laid hands on and healed many.  Even his used tissue was used to bring healing in Acts 19:11-12.  Yet he relates in 2Co 12:7-9  “ And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul had a physical problem given to keep him humble.

Let’s look at what James has to say:  Jas 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Our trials are there to teach us.  We would not be who or what we are without the trials that God uses to perfect us.

I could go on but I hope you get the idea.  There are many reasons why people suffer.  I tell people with pain or medical issues to seek appropriate help.  There is nothing wrong with that.  I don’t try to play Holy Spirit and tell them why they may me suffering.  I do however point them to passages in scripture for their own edification.  I hope this is helpful.  Lord willing, There will be more to come.

Pain Independance Day - Yours?

I woke up today in what is perceived by many to be a free country.  I can pretty much Do what I want.  At least I can do what I want within certain prescribed boundaries.  I can’t just go out and steal.  I can’t go out and do treasonous activities.  If I do these things there are certain consequences.

This freedom came at a price.  It came at a great price.  The parallels to those in pain and what they can do for themselves have been on my mind today.  I see at least 4 that I would like to mention today.

Decision – Our forefathers spent a good deal of time trying to work out their issues with the crown.  At some point they made a decision.  We call it the Declaration of Independence.  At that point they laid it all on the line and charted a new course. 

People in pain often try a few skirmishes.  These include many things for different people.  In my case I took 8-12 aspirin for about 2 years to deal with the pain that I developed following a hit and run.  I was on the bicycle.  The car was bigger.  At some point I made a decision to do what I needed to do to develop a lifestyle to deal with my issue.  People in pain need to make this decision.  It often has consequences.  One of the better ones is decreased pain and often the ability to do activities that were limited by that pain.

Work – A decision was a good start but work was required.  An army had to be raised.  The colonies had to work together.  It was a formidable task to go against vastly superior forces that were better trained.  People who hurt need to work also.  I have had many clients tell me that they are not willing to do anything that is required in order to get better.  That is why they have insurance.  It is not their fault that they hurt and somebody else better “fix” them.

These people usually don’t get well.  Pain is an output of the brain.  It is a message that we need to do something to change the situation.  Apart from a decision and then active work to deal with the besetting issues there is rarely resolution.  Therapists rarely “fix” anyone or anything.  People need to work toward resolution.  This often means dealing with habits, environments, and underlying thoughts and attitudes.  The Biblical concept of the heart includes intellect, will, and affections.  How this can be applied to pain will be developed in later posts.  I simply want to point out that change in these areas requires work.

Sacrifice – Our forefathers had to sacrifice tremendously.  Many lost all they had.  Many lost their lives.  Others lost friends and relatives.  Those in pain often need to make sacrifices.  The diabetic needs to avoid sugar.  That is hard.  Some people need to avoid gluten.  Others simply need to spend more time in bed – that can be hard.  Entertainments often need to be changed.  All of this can be difficult.  Rarely does relief from chronic pain come without some type of lifestyle change that is perceived initially as a sacrifice.

Recurrence – Our forefathers were not done when the war was over.  It was quickly followed by the War of 1812.  They had to do the same thing all over again.  Those who find relief from pain often find that it comes back.  They need to keep dealing with the issue.  It requires a lifestyle of vigilance.  Habitat and Habits may need to change.

Today is a good day to make a decision to deal with your pain.  Let July 4^th be a day of decision to work and sacrifice to make a change in your pain.  Keep checking here for help.

Christian Pain Management Blog - Pittsburgh: Pain Specialist?

Christian Pain Management Blog - Pittsburgh: Pain Specialist?: A pain specialist is just what it sounds like.  Is your pain new or old?  Does it keep you from doing things at work or with kids or grandkids.  We have an approach for that.  The approach is simple.

·        Calm down the nervous system and begin moving.

·        Look for the things that keep the nervous system on alert.

·        Start to move in non painful ways. 

This is what your body needs and wants.

Don’t look for or expect a specific technique.  That is not what pain treatment is about.  Your nervous system gets to decide what works and there is no one size fits all technique.  Instead – I listen to your story.  That helps me decide what approach I might take.  My technique varies based on your response.  This is all about what your nervous system needs.

Why this approach?  This approach is taken because of how modern pain science tells us your body reacts.  When your brain senses that danger is afoot it often creates pain.  This is a message that your body uses tell you to Withdraw from the pain.  This is like hitting your thumb with a hammer.  Your response is immediate.  You just can’t help it.  You pull your thumb away.  Then you Protect it.  You hold it to keep it safe.  This is where most people are at when they come in for treatment.  Their muscles pull them into a protective cocoon.  This tightening up protects us but tends to keep the blood that carries important “stuff” like oxygen and food to your nerves. Therapy aims to take you toward Resolution.  In this phase you begin to move, the nerves get their nutrients, oxygen and other needed chemicals.  Most importantly, your brain doesn’t sense a threat and tells the body to relax.  It stops – you get relief.

I recommend wearing a tee shirt and running shorts to treatment.  This gives me access to skin if I need it.  Most importantly – you get to be comfortable!