Physical therapy, at its heart, is about behavior change. Whether we are rehabbing a chronically sore shoulder, trying to improve how long you can sit due to back pain, or working to improve knee pain to be able to go for a run, we must change some habitual behaviors in order to make a difference.
This begins at initial evaluation by identifying the physical structures which may be contributing to a person's specific complaints of pain, i.e. lack of strength, flexibility, body mechanics, habitual postures, etc. In order to affect change in these deficits, one must be ready to commit to a consistent, meaningful, and realistic exercise program. This exercise program will not be easy enough so that the patient does not feel any affect in their body and it will not be so difficult that one cannot complete it. It will, however, be challenging enough to achieve the goals which the therapist and patient establish at initial evaluation.
As explained in the Biopsychosocial Model of Pain Article, chronic pain (and general health,) is more complex than deficits in physical structures in one's body. Stress, thoughts and beliefs about one's pain, general lifestyle decisions (diet, activity level, etc.,) restful sleep, willingness to change, and mental health all play a significant role in one's chronic pain. It is therefore important to be comprehensive in one's rehabilitation in order to have the most impact we can in one's experience of pain and improving their function.
This may seem overwhelming! It is no easy task to formulate a plan about each of the above characteristics and carry it out in a consistent manner.
In steps mindfulness. Mindfulness, at its heart, is a stepping back. It is being the passenger in the car, viewing that which passes by. It is growing one's awareness of their natural tendencies, good or bad. Mindfulness is a gentle reminder to recognize and accept passing by emotions, thoughts, and desires. Mindfulness can be a tool for change, as well. When utilized in a rehabilitative setting, we can make use of mindfulness concepts to identify typical patterns of thought and behavior which may be hindering us from achieving consistent and healthy behavior change. All it takes is practice and acceptance.
Mindfulness is not a magic wand to wave which gets you to your intended goals of physical therapy (or function, life, etc.) It is a skill to be developed. It is a way of approaching and thinking about life. It is a changing of one's relationship towards their thoughts and beliefs. And ultimately, it is a practice. It is a practice which can lead to improved follow through, presence, and mental health. And ultimately, it is a practice which can assist one feel more in control of the decisions they make in relation to their health.
If consistent behavior change is an issue which you find difficult to follow through with, don't worry, you're not alone. If you've attempted the typical behavior change tactics (goal setting, reminders, incentives,) and are searching for something with more depth and is longer lasting, then developing a mindfulness practice may be a good option for you.
If you are searching for a comprehensive approach to addressing your pain (as described above), then please reach out to Mindful Wellness Collective today for a *Free 15 minute consultation* to see if what we have to offer fits your needs.
Comments