Ep 3 - Why moving more when you are in pain can be a good thing

This episode of the Pain Free Living Podcast is all about kinesiophobia, otherwise known as 'fear of pain through movement'. You may never have heard the term before today but we guarantee you will have experienced it. Your hosts are Bob Allen, an osteopath treating pain problems since 2008, and Louise Gordon, a change coach who helps individuals and businesses to navigate change. She may not have clinical experience but as someone who has been in pain, she is well qualified to ask the questions you would if you had access to a friendly and knowledgeable medical expert. Kinesiophobia, or fear of movement, usually happens after an episode of pain. Bob explains how the body tries to protect you by avoiding certain movements which can continue long after the problem has healed. We cover neuroplasticity and how you can use it to overcome your brain's kinesiophobia problem. We also discuss how you can teach your brain that movements are safe through a combination of education, conversation, and rehabilitation exercises. It is a complex problem to identify and can be difficult to treat unless you find a therapist who has an understanding of how the body works. If you suspect you have a problem related to kinesiophobia get in touch to find out how we can help.Key Takeaways:Kinesiophobia, or fear of movement, is a psychological response usually related to a chronic pain problem.The brain learns to avoid movements that previously caused pain, leading to compensatory habits and potential long-term issues.Neuroplasticity allows you to unlearn your pain-avoiding behaviors and set up normal movement patterns.Effective rehabilitation requires education and gradually increasing your 'safe' activity levels.Support from knowledgeable practitioners is crucial for overcoming kinesiophobia and restoring confidence in movement.More info on Bob and LouiseFind out more about Bob hereLearn how Louise makes the complex simpleSign up for the very popular Monthly Pain Free Living newsletter hereFollow Bob on his other socials here linktr.ee/PainfreelivingDisclaimer:This podcast provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace professional assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek qualified healthcare advice if you are in pain, have new or worsening symptoms, or any concerns about your health before starting exercise or self-care routines.