Pain as a Protective Alarm
Pain as a Protective Alarm
Pain as a Protective Alarm
Pain is your body’s fire alarm—a built-in warning system designed to protect you from harm.
Pain is your body’s fire alarm—a built-in warning system designed to protect you from harm.
Pain is your body’s fire alarm—a built-in warning system designed to protect you from harm.
August 12, 2024
August 12, 2024
August 12, 2024
When you touch something hot, you instantly pull away before you even realize it. That’s the alarm in full swing, alerting you to danger and helping you stay safe.
But sometimes, that same alarm becomes overly sensitive, sounding off at the smallest spark—when there’s no real fire.
A simple twist, stretch, or stressful day can trigger discomfort, even when nothing dangerous is happening in the body.
This doesn’t mean your body is broken—it means your nervous system is trying too hard to protect you.
Why Is My System Extra-Sensitive?
Just like a smoke detector that goes off when you burn toast, your pain system can become hypersensitive for many reasons.
Common triggers include:
Having to deal with pain daily
Fear of pain and the danger it implies
Increased stress—whether from pain itself or unrelated life events
Poor or interrupted sleep
Lack of movement or exercise
Previously failed treatments or lack of clear explanation
All these factors can “turn up the volume” on your nervous system, keeping it on constant alert.
How to Make Your System Less Sensitive
The good news? You can retrain your body’s alarm system to tell the difference between a real fire and a false alarm.
This process is known as pain modulation, and it’s one of the most empowering parts of pain science education.
Here’s how to start calming your system:
Be curious about your pain, not fearful.
Curiosity engages the thinking brain and turns down the alarm.
Learn to meditate and become mindful of stress.
Mindfulness and breathwork help the body move out of “fight-or-flight.”
Go for a walk in nature.
Gentle movement and natural surroundings both reduce nervous system sensitivity.
Find joyful movement.
Reconnecting with movement you enjoy retrains the brain to associate activity with safety, not danger.
Educate yourself on pain science.
Understanding why pain happens reduces fear and builds confidence.
Remind yourself: “I’m sensitive, but safe.”
This phrase rewires the body’s perception of threat, helping your system relax.
The Mindful Motion Approach
At Mindful Motion Physical Therapy, we combine pain neuroscience education, movement therapy, and mindfulness practices to help patients calm an overactive nervous system and restore movement freedom.
When you learn to interpret pain as communication rather than catastrophe, you create the space for healing to begin.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
If you are experiencing pain or other health concerns, please consult a licensed healthcare professional or physical therapist.
Mindful Motion Physical Therapy is not liable for any injury or damages arising from the use or misuse of this information.
When you touch something hot, you instantly pull away before you even realize it. That’s the alarm in full swing, alerting you to danger and helping you stay safe.
But sometimes, that same alarm becomes overly sensitive, sounding off at the smallest spark—when there’s no real fire.
A simple twist, stretch, or stressful day can trigger discomfort, even when nothing dangerous is happening in the body.
This doesn’t mean your body is broken—it means your nervous system is trying too hard to protect you.
Why Is My System Extra-Sensitive?
Just like a smoke detector that goes off when you burn toast, your pain system can become hypersensitive for many reasons.
Common triggers include:
Having to deal with pain daily
Fear of pain and the danger it implies
Increased stress—whether from pain itself or unrelated life events
Poor or interrupted sleep
Lack of movement or exercise
Previously failed treatments or lack of clear explanation
All these factors can “turn up the volume” on your nervous system, keeping it on constant alert.
How to Make Your System Less Sensitive
The good news? You can retrain your body’s alarm system to tell the difference between a real fire and a false alarm.
This process is known as pain modulation, and it’s one of the most empowering parts of pain science education.
Here’s how to start calming your system:
Be curious about your pain, not fearful.
Curiosity engages the thinking brain and turns down the alarm.
Learn to meditate and become mindful of stress.
Mindfulness and breathwork help the body move out of “fight-or-flight.”
Go for a walk in nature.
Gentle movement and natural surroundings both reduce nervous system sensitivity.
Find joyful movement.
Reconnecting with movement you enjoy retrains the brain to associate activity with safety, not danger.
Educate yourself on pain science.
Understanding why pain happens reduces fear and builds confidence.
Remind yourself: “I’m sensitive, but safe.”
This phrase rewires the body’s perception of threat, helping your system relax.
The Mindful Motion Approach
At Mindful Motion Physical Therapy, we combine pain neuroscience education, movement therapy, and mindfulness practices to help patients calm an overactive nervous system and restore movement freedom.
When you learn to interpret pain as communication rather than catastrophe, you create the space for healing to begin.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
If you are experiencing pain or other health concerns, please consult a licensed healthcare professional or physical therapist.
Mindful Motion Physical Therapy is not liable for any injury or damages arising from the use or misuse of this information.
When you touch something hot, you instantly pull away before you even realize it. That’s the alarm in full swing, alerting you to danger and helping you stay safe.
But sometimes, that same alarm becomes overly sensitive, sounding off at the smallest spark—when there’s no real fire.
A simple twist, stretch, or stressful day can trigger discomfort, even when nothing dangerous is happening in the body.
This doesn’t mean your body is broken—it means your nervous system is trying too hard to protect you.
Why Is My System Extra-Sensitive?
Just like a smoke detector that goes off when you burn toast, your pain system can become hypersensitive for many reasons.
Common triggers include:
Having to deal with pain daily
Fear of pain and the danger it implies
Increased stress—whether from pain itself or unrelated life events
Poor or interrupted sleep
Lack of movement or exercise
Previously failed treatments or lack of clear explanation
All these factors can “turn up the volume” on your nervous system, keeping it on constant alert.
How to Make Your System Less Sensitive
The good news? You can retrain your body’s alarm system to tell the difference between a real fire and a false alarm.
This process is known as pain modulation, and it’s one of the most empowering parts of pain science education.
Here’s how to start calming your system:
Be curious about your pain, not fearful.
Curiosity engages the thinking brain and turns down the alarm.
Learn to meditate and become mindful of stress.
Mindfulness and breathwork help the body move out of “fight-or-flight.”
Go for a walk in nature.
Gentle movement and natural surroundings both reduce nervous system sensitivity.
Find joyful movement.
Reconnecting with movement you enjoy retrains the brain to associate activity with safety, not danger.
Educate yourself on pain science.
Understanding why pain happens reduces fear and builds confidence.
Remind yourself: “I’m sensitive, but safe.”
This phrase rewires the body’s perception of threat, helping your system relax.
The Mindful Motion Approach
At Mindful Motion Physical Therapy, we combine pain neuroscience education, movement therapy, and mindfulness practices to help patients calm an overactive nervous system and restore movement freedom.
When you learn to interpret pain as communication rather than catastrophe, you create the space for healing to begin.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
If you are experiencing pain or other health concerns, please consult a licensed healthcare professional or physical therapist.
Mindful Motion Physical Therapy is not liable for any injury or damages arising from the use or misuse of this information.
Chris Voirin
Chris Voirin
Chris Voirin
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Have you ever been stuck in traffic, knuckles white on the steering wheel, wishing you could teleport home? Or maybe you’ve had that restless moment in bed, staring at the ceiling, and thinking, “Why can’t my brain just stop?” We’ve all been there—tight shoulders, shallow breaths, and a mind that won’t quit. But what if I told you there’s a simple (and surprisingly powerful) trick to help dial down the stress, calm your body, and even reduce pain? Spoiler alert: It’s something you do every single day, and you’re doing it right now—breathing.
Have you ever been stuck in traffic, knuckles white on the steering wheel, wishing you could teleport home? Or maybe you’ve had that restless moment in bed, staring at the ceiling, and thinking, “Why can’t my brain just stop?” We’ve all been there—tight shoulders, shallow breaths, and a mind that won’t quit. But what if I told you there’s a simple (and surprisingly powerful) trick to help dial down the stress, calm your body, and even reduce pain? Spoiler alert: It’s something you do every single day, and you’re doing it right now—breathing.
Have you ever been stuck in traffic, knuckles white on the steering wheel, wishing you could teleport home? Or maybe you’ve had that restless moment in bed, staring at the ceiling, and thinking, “Why can’t my brain just stop?” We’ve all been there—tight shoulders, shallow breaths, and a mind that won’t quit. But what if I told you there’s a simple (and surprisingly powerful) trick to help dial down the stress, calm your body, and even reduce pain? Spoiler alert: It’s something you do every single day, and you’re doing it right now—breathing.
Space, movement, and blood are the secret ingredients to ensure your nerves remain healthy.
Space, movement, and blood are the secret ingredients to ensure your nerves remain healthy.
Space, movement, and blood are the secret ingredients to ensure your nerves remain healthy.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
How is this different than other physical therapy practices?
We don’t just chase symptoms, we help you understand them and find the root cause. Most PT clinics will give you a list of exercises, send you home, and hope for the best. At Mindful Motion, we slow things down. We start by listening to your story, digging into the “why” behind your pain, and creating a plan that works for your life.
How is this different than other physical therapy practices?
We don’t just chase symptoms, we help you understand them and find the root cause. Most PT clinics will give you a list of exercises, send you home, and hope for the best. At Mindful Motion, we slow things down. We start by listening to your story, digging into the “why” behind your pain, and creating a plan that works for your life.
What can I expect from the first session?
What can I expect from the first session?
The first session is all about getting a thorough background, comprehensive analysis of your strength, flexibility, and mobility, and understanding your history with pain. You’ll talk with your PT about what brings you here, what's held you back in the past, and where you'd like to go.
Do you offer both online and in-person sessions?
Do you offer both online and in-person sessions?
Yes. Whether you prefer meeting face-to-face or from the comfort of home, we offer flexible options to meet you where you are.
What treatment strategies do you employ?
What treatment strategies do you employ?
Some of the skills which we will discuss and develop are listed below.
Graded and meaningful progression into safe movement and exercise based on your initial evaluation.
Education on Pain Neuroscience and how our understanding of pain and our nervous system plays a large role in our experience of pain.
Developing Mindfulness Meditation skills as a tool to calm the nervous system, relate to your pain differently, create a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations to provide a fuller experience of daily life and deepen your presence.
Identifying and developing a plan surrounding your personal values which you would like to lead life by.
Other things which we will address are adequate sleep hygiene, appropriate aerobic exercise, working with acceptance of what is, and much more.
Why Mindfulness Meditation?
Why Mindfulness Meditation?
Depending on where you want to go in your therapy, Mindfulness Meditation can act as any number of things for you and your life. Let's start with some definitions.
Mindfulness is the purposeful ability to observe one's thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment, and to be fully present in the current moment
Meditation is the tool which we use to cultivate mindfulness in our daily lives.
Okay... so why mindfulness meditation for my recovery?
The implications of practicing Mindfulness Meditation with patience and persistence can be profound to your recovery from injury or pain. It can also have an impact to your contact to the present moment, your relationships to yourself and your thoughts, to your loved ones, and the world. You can learn to deal with stress, hardships, and the ups and downs of life with more equanimity.
We're taking your body to the gym by doing the exercises we prescribe. Why not also take your mind to the gym and help create lasting habits which can improve your quality of life.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
How is this different than other physical therapy practices?
We don’t just chase symptoms, we help you understand them and find the root cause. Most PT clinics will give you a list of exercises, send you home, and hope for the best. At Mindful Motion, we slow things down. We start by listening to your story, digging into the “why” behind your pain, and creating a plan that works for your life.
How is this different than other physical therapy practices?
We don’t just chase symptoms, we help you understand them and find the root cause. Most PT clinics will give you a list of exercises, send you home, and hope for the best. At Mindful Motion, we slow things down. We start by listening to your story, digging into the “why” behind your pain, and creating a plan that works for your life.
What can I expect from the first session?
What can I expect from the first session?
The first session is all about getting a thorough background, comprehensive analysis of your strength, flexibility, and mobility, and understanding your history with pain. You’ll talk with your PT about what brings you here, what's held you back in the past, and where you'd like to go.
Do you offer both online and in-person sessions?
Do you offer both online and in-person sessions?
Yes. Whether you prefer meeting face-to-face or from the comfort of home, we offer flexible options to meet you where you are.
What treatment strategies do you employ?
What treatment strategies do you employ?
Some of the skills which we will discuss and develop are listed below.
Graded and meaningful progression into safe movement and exercise based on your initial evaluation.
Education on Pain Neuroscience and how our understanding of pain and our nervous system plays a large role in our experience of pain.
Developing Mindfulness Meditation skills as a tool to calm the nervous system, relate to your pain differently, create a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations to provide a fuller experience of daily life and deepen your presence.
Identifying and developing a plan surrounding your personal values which you would like to lead life by.
Other things which we will address are adequate sleep hygiene, appropriate aerobic exercise, working with acceptance of what is, and much more.
Why Mindfulness Meditation?
Why Mindfulness Meditation?
Depending on where you want to go in your therapy, Mindfulness Meditation can act as any number of things for you and your life. Let's start with some definitions.
Mindfulness is the purposeful ability to observe one's thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment, and to be fully present in the current moment
Meditation is the tool which we use to cultivate mindfulness in our daily lives.
Okay... so why mindfulness meditation for my recovery?
The implications of practicing Mindfulness Meditation with patience and persistence can be profound to your recovery from injury or pain. It can also have an impact to your contact to the present moment, your relationships to yourself and your thoughts, to your loved ones, and the world. You can learn to deal with stress, hardships, and the ups and downs of life with more equanimity.
We're taking your body to the gym by doing the exercises we prescribe. Why not also take your mind to the gym and help create lasting habits which can improve your quality of life.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
How is this different than other physical therapy practices?
We don’t just chase symptoms, we help you understand them and find the root cause. Most PT clinics will give you a list of exercises, send you home, and hope for the best. At Mindful Motion, we slow things down. We start by listening to your story, digging into the “why” behind your pain, and creating a plan that works for your life.
How is this different than other physical therapy practices?
We don’t just chase symptoms, we help you understand them and find the root cause. Most PT clinics will give you a list of exercises, send you home, and hope for the best. At Mindful Motion, we slow things down. We start by listening to your story, digging into the “why” behind your pain, and creating a plan that works for your life.
What can I expect from the first session?
What can I expect from the first session?
The first session is all about getting a thorough background, comprehensive analysis of your strength, flexibility, and mobility, and understanding your history with pain. You’ll talk with your PT about what brings you here, what's held you back in the past, and where you'd like to go.
Do you offer both online and in-person sessions?
Do you offer both online and in-person sessions?
Yes. Whether you prefer meeting face-to-face or from the comfort of home, we offer flexible options to meet you where you are.
What treatment strategies do you employ?
What treatment strategies do you employ?
Some of the skills which we will discuss and develop are listed below.
Graded and meaningful progression into safe movement and exercise based on your initial evaluation.
Education on Pain Neuroscience and how our understanding of pain and our nervous system plays a large role in our experience of pain.
Developing Mindfulness Meditation skills as a tool to calm the nervous system, relate to your pain differently, create a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations to provide a fuller experience of daily life and deepen your presence.
Identifying and developing a plan surrounding your personal values which you would like to lead life by.
Other things which we will address are adequate sleep hygiene, appropriate aerobic exercise, working with acceptance of what is, and much more.
Why Mindfulness Meditation?
Why Mindfulness Meditation?
Depending on where you want to go in your therapy, Mindfulness Meditation can act as any number of things for you and your life. Let's start with some definitions.
Mindfulness is the purposeful ability to observe one's thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment, and to be fully present in the current moment
Meditation is the tool which we use to cultivate mindfulness in our daily lives.
Okay... so why mindfulness meditation for my recovery?
The implications of practicing Mindfulness Meditation with patience and persistence can be profound to your recovery from injury or pain. It can also have an impact to your contact to the present moment, your relationships to yourself and your thoughts, to your loved ones, and the world. You can learn to deal with stress, hardships, and the ups and downs of life with more equanimity.
We're taking your body to the gym by doing the exercises we prescribe. Why not also take your mind to the gym and help create lasting habits which can improve your quality of life.