In this final part of my series detailing constructive pain management, I will extol the virtues of some of the better professionally-applied techniques that are available from doctors, therapists and mental-health professionals.
In my coaching program, one of the critical ideas that clients learn is to take charge of their health and wellness, helping them to achieve better results from all forms of treatment:
Chiropractic is a holistic method of health enhancement that is often thought to be used only by back and neck pain sufferers. Chiropractic is not intended to treat pain, although it can and often does. Instead, the application of chiropractic is designed to facilitate proper spinal alignment and promote overall natural wellness. Some clients explore NUCCA care, as well as traditional chiropractic therapy. Many of these clients have found links between their chronic health concerns and long-standing problems with atlas vertebrae subluxation.
Professional massage provides all the benefits of amateur or self-massage, but also allows targeted treatment of problem areas and the introduction of innovative therapies to accomplish specific goals. Massage is scientifically proven to be beneficial to the body and mind. Massage also promotes stress reduction and optimizes overall health.
Acupuncture is an ideal alternative to pharmaceutical pain management. Acupuncture and acupressure can help flood the body with natural pain relieving chemicals, as well as interrupting the transmission and reception of pain signals. Many patients with severe chronic pain cite acupuncture as being one of the most effective natural treatments they have attempted. I have even coached a few patients who have gone on to study the technique and self-apply it as needed.
Physical therapy can be rehabilitative, for injury or disease, but can also be used to increase physicality and promote a healthier lifestyle through movement. Physical therapists are very versatile healthcare providers and I defer to them as the best authorities for clients who want to become more active, despite limiting pain or health conditions. Best of all, these dedicated health professionals can be instrumental for clients who suffer from physicophobia due to long periods of inactivity.
Fitness training can complement or replace physical therapy. Certified personal trainers can be great motivators and often work well in combination with coaching. However, I highly recommend seeking training from a provider who is knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with clients who suffer from pain and illness. Otherwise, the trainer might push harder than is advised and might do more harm than good. A few simple questions will help to qualify or disqualify prospective trainers as being ideal for meeting the special needs of a chronic pain sufferer. As a fitness trainer myself, I can always help in this regard.
Reiki is a spiritual healing modality that traces its lineage back to Japan. Reiki does not involve any formal treatment, but does foster human connection and sympathy. Therefore, it is ideal for patients who long for some empathetic understanding and human bonding. Reiki can also be learned easily and self-applied for improved results when providing self-massage techniques.
Posture therapy is advised for individuals who demonstrate consistently poor anatomical positioning when standing, sitting or sleeping. Physical therapists can be very helpful in ascertaining postural issues and making simple, effective corrections. Alternately, Alexander therapists are also experts in postural alignment, as are some chiropractors and physical medicine providers.
Now that you have a basic understanding of many of these constructive pain management practices, I encourage you to take the time to research any that are of particular interest to you. If you are working with a coach, they can help you to evaluate the best pain relief practices for your specific needs.
I hope this 4 part series has inspired you to think outside the box when it comes to finding relief from pain or sickness. There are many options and you are not limited to modalities that will damage you as much as they might help.
