What's in Your Cup?
What's in Your Cup?
What's in Your Cup?
A Journey to Understanding Chronic Pain: A Real-Life Story
A Journey to Understanding Chronic Pain: A Real-Life Story
A Journey to Understanding Chronic Pain: A Real-Life Story
May 15, 2024
May 15, 2024
May 15, 2024
Picture this: It's Tuesday morning, and Sarah's waiting in her cozy living room. For years, she's been living with chronic pain, a relentless opponent in her daily life. But today's different; today's the start of something new.
Here I am, a therapist from Mindful Wellness Collective, setting things up in Sarah's space. I throw a curveball her way, "What's in your cup?"
She echoes, puzzled, "My cup?"
With a nod, I'm about to dive into a metaphor that's been a game-changer for many dealing with pain. "Here's the thing," I start.
We at Mindful Motion Physical Therapy love sharing this gem, all thanks to Greg Lehman, a brilliant Canadian physical therapist. It's all about getting to grips with pain's hidden layers through a simple cup analogy.
So, imagine your cup, symbolizing how much stress, be it physical, emotional, or mental, you can take. Often, our cups are fuller than we think.
Sarah's all ears as we explore what's filling up this metaphorical cup. The usual culprits come up – past injuries, sleep quality, life's stressors (think work, family), how active we are, emotional responses, and those deep-rooted beliefs about our pain.
As Sarah reflects on each aspect, there's a sense of complexity but also hope. Chronic pain is a tough nut to crack, but it's not unbeatable.
"What's this got to do with me?" she wonders.
Here's the scoop: when our cup's brimming with stressors, and let's say an injury happens (or not), the cup spills over. This spillover? It's the pain, the stress we feel.
"That's where we come in," I assure her. At Mindful Wellness Collective, it's not just about figuring out what's filling your cup. It's about finding ways to pour some out and, better yet, make the cup bigger.
Throughout her therapy, Sarah taps into mindfulness and tailored therapy. She starts pinpointing stressors, crafting strategies to manage them, effectively removing some 'water' from her cup. We're also boosting her cup's size with exercises, building up resilience.
Weeks fly by, and Sarah begins to notice changes. The pain, once a constant companion, starts to take a backseat. She's rediscovering joy in activities she'd sidelined and feeling more in control.
Her journey's a powerful reminder of what understanding and managing your 'cup' can do. Sarah's story isn't unique to her; it's shared by many we've helped on their path to relief and empowerment.
As Sarah's time with MMPT winds down, her smile's brighter, her steps lighter. She's not just coping with pain; she's taking her life back.
Curious about what's in your cup and how to manage it? Let's figure it out together. Book a free 15-minute chat with us, and start your own wellness journey, taking control of chronic pain.
Picture this: It's Tuesday morning, and Sarah's waiting in her cozy living room. For years, she's been living with chronic pain, a relentless opponent in her daily life. But today's different; today's the start of something new.
Here I am, a therapist from Mindful Wellness Collective, setting things up in Sarah's space. I throw a curveball her way, "What's in your cup?"
She echoes, puzzled, "My cup?"
With a nod, I'm about to dive into a metaphor that's been a game-changer for many dealing with pain. "Here's the thing," I start.
We at Mindful Motion Physical Therapy love sharing this gem, all thanks to Greg Lehman, a brilliant Canadian physical therapist. It's all about getting to grips with pain's hidden layers through a simple cup analogy.
So, imagine your cup, symbolizing how much stress, be it physical, emotional, or mental, you can take. Often, our cups are fuller than we think.
Sarah's all ears as we explore what's filling up this metaphorical cup. The usual culprits come up – past injuries, sleep quality, life's stressors (think work, family), how active we are, emotional responses, and those deep-rooted beliefs about our pain.
As Sarah reflects on each aspect, there's a sense of complexity but also hope. Chronic pain is a tough nut to crack, but it's not unbeatable.
"What's this got to do with me?" she wonders.
Here's the scoop: when our cup's brimming with stressors, and let's say an injury happens (or not), the cup spills over. This spillover? It's the pain, the stress we feel.
"That's where we come in," I assure her. At Mindful Wellness Collective, it's not just about figuring out what's filling your cup. It's about finding ways to pour some out and, better yet, make the cup bigger.
Throughout her therapy, Sarah taps into mindfulness and tailored therapy. She starts pinpointing stressors, crafting strategies to manage them, effectively removing some 'water' from her cup. We're also boosting her cup's size with exercises, building up resilience.
Weeks fly by, and Sarah begins to notice changes. The pain, once a constant companion, starts to take a backseat. She's rediscovering joy in activities she'd sidelined and feeling more in control.
Her journey's a powerful reminder of what understanding and managing your 'cup' can do. Sarah's story isn't unique to her; it's shared by many we've helped on their path to relief and empowerment.
As Sarah's time with MMPT winds down, her smile's brighter, her steps lighter. She's not just coping with pain; she's taking her life back.
Curious about what's in your cup and how to manage it? Let's figure it out together. Book a free 15-minute chat with us, and start your own wellness journey, taking control of chronic pain.
Picture this: It's Tuesday morning, and Sarah's waiting in her cozy living room. For years, she's been living with chronic pain, a relentless opponent in her daily life. But today's different; today's the start of something new.
Here I am, a therapist from Mindful Wellness Collective, setting things up in Sarah's space. I throw a curveball her way, "What's in your cup?"
She echoes, puzzled, "My cup?"
With a nod, I'm about to dive into a metaphor that's been a game-changer for many dealing with pain. "Here's the thing," I start.
We at Mindful Motion Physical Therapy love sharing this gem, all thanks to Greg Lehman, a brilliant Canadian physical therapist. It's all about getting to grips with pain's hidden layers through a simple cup analogy.
So, imagine your cup, symbolizing how much stress, be it physical, emotional, or mental, you can take. Often, our cups are fuller than we think.
Sarah's all ears as we explore what's filling up this metaphorical cup. The usual culprits come up – past injuries, sleep quality, life's stressors (think work, family), how active we are, emotional responses, and those deep-rooted beliefs about our pain.
As Sarah reflects on each aspect, there's a sense of complexity but also hope. Chronic pain is a tough nut to crack, but it's not unbeatable.
"What's this got to do with me?" she wonders.
Here's the scoop: when our cup's brimming with stressors, and let's say an injury happens (or not), the cup spills over. This spillover? It's the pain, the stress we feel.
"That's where we come in," I assure her. At Mindful Wellness Collective, it's not just about figuring out what's filling your cup. It's about finding ways to pour some out and, better yet, make the cup bigger.
Throughout her therapy, Sarah taps into mindfulness and tailored therapy. She starts pinpointing stressors, crafting strategies to manage them, effectively removing some 'water' from her cup. We're also boosting her cup's size with exercises, building up resilience.
Weeks fly by, and Sarah begins to notice changes. The pain, once a constant companion, starts to take a backseat. She's rediscovering joy in activities she'd sidelined and feeling more in control.
Her journey's a powerful reminder of what understanding and managing your 'cup' can do. Sarah's story isn't unique to her; it's shared by many we've helped on their path to relief and empowerment.
As Sarah's time with MMPT winds down, her smile's brighter, her steps lighter. She's not just coping with pain; she's taking her life back.
Curious about what's in your cup and how to manage it? Let's figure it out together. Book a free 15-minute chat with us, and start your own wellness journey, taking control of chronic pain.
Chris Voirin
Chris Voirin
Chris Voirin
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More insights for you.
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Explore more reflections, guidance, and practical tools to support your growth and well-being.
Explore more reflections, guidance, and practical tools to support your growth and well-being.
Explore more reflections, guidance, and practical tools to support your growth and well-being.
Ever had that annoying feeling of numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or somewhere else? It’s not just some random quirk of your body—it’s your nerves trying to tell you something important. Healthy nerves need three things to stay pain-free and function well: space, movement, and a good blood supply. Without these, they start to throw a fit, and you feel the consequences, like chronic pain, numbness, or even tingling. Let’s break it down.
Ever had that annoying feeling of numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or somewhere else? It’s not just some random quirk of your body—it’s your nerves trying to tell you something important. Healthy nerves need three things to stay pain-free and function well: space, movement, and a good blood supply. Without these, they start to throw a fit, and you feel the consequences, like chronic pain, numbness, or even tingling. Let’s break it down.
Ever had that annoying feeling of numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or somewhere else? It’s not just some random quirk of your body—it’s your nerves trying to tell you something important. Healthy nerves need three things to stay pain-free and function well: space, movement, and a good blood supply. Without these, they start to throw a fit, and you feel the consequences, like chronic pain, numbness, or even tingling. Let’s break it down.
Find a clear path to returning to working out with this 4-step guide.
Find a clear path to returning to working out with this 4-step guide.
Find a clear path to returning to working out with this 4-step guide.
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.