Unlearn your pain.

Chronic pain, in athletes, is a significant concern, particularly given that over 90% of persistent sports injuries can be attributed to learned responses between the brain and body, a phenomenon recognised as Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), or Psycophyisilogical disorder (PPD) . This underscores the importance of understanding the mind-body connection in recovery.

Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, offers a pathway for athletes to 'unlearn' pain. Engaging in this process may initially seem daunting, especially for those in high-risk sports who face heightened fear of re-injury. However, with appropriate strategies and support, overcoming these challenges is achievable.

Through our program athletes will address the core reasons for persistent pain, incorporate mindfulness practices, cognitive behavioural techniques, and gradual exposure to activities associated with pain to retrain their brains effectively. Commitment to these practices helps ‘switch off’ faulty pain signalling, improving quality of life, and enabling athletes to return to their sport with renewed confidence.

Gain a broader understanding of pain.

The idea that chronic pain can be a learned response involving interactions between the brain and body is supported by the scientific concept of pain neuroplasticity. This means that the brain and nervous system can adapt and reinforce pain pathways through learning, association, and experience, contributing to chronic pain conditions.

While it's difficult to pinpoint an exact percentage of chronic pain attributed to learned responses or neuroplastic changes, research indicates that a substantial portion of chronic pain can indeed involve these processes.

Key Points:

1. Neuroplasticity and Pain: Chronic pain often involves changes in neural pathways and brain function. Over time, pain can become ingrained in the nervous system, leading to a persistent experience of pain even in the absence of a clear ongoing injury or disease.

2. Estimates and Variability: While specific percentages can vary, some studies suggest that a significant proportion of chronic pain conditions involve neuroplastic changes. This includes both the sensory and affective (emotional) components of pain and it’s clear that these processes play a critical role in the experience of pain.

3. Clinical Focus: The recognition of chronic pain as involving learned and neuroplastic aspects highlights the importance of addressing, lifestyle, and psychological components in treatment. Approaches such as pain education, pain reprocessing therapy, coaching, and other interventions can be effective in modifying these learned pain responses.

It is now widely accepted that learned responses and neuroplastic changes are crucial components in chronic pain conditions.