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Chronic Pain: A Guide to Effective Physiotherapy in Stouffville

Blog · August 14, 2023

Experiencing pain is a normal part of everyone’s lives. Our body senses threats via nerve endings called nociceptors which send signals up to the brain. However, over time or after an injury, our nerve cells can become over-sensitized. This means they react more strongly to something that normally
wouldn’t hurt or would hurt less. This is called “SENSITIZATION”. When sensitization happens, the signals transmitted to the brain occur more frequently, more efficiently and can be experienced anywhere in the body (something you don’t want!). Sensitization can contribute to chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, headaches and persistent low back pain. Sensitized individuals may also experience other systemic symptoms such as chronic fatigue, mood changes, sleep problems or difficulty concentrating.

If you’re based around Stouffville, and seeking relief from persistent pain, physiotherapy offers effective treatment options. Our team of skilled professionals, specialize in managing central sensitization and related conditions. In this post, we’ll explore central sensitization, its causes, and how physiotherapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

When we are sensitized, we may experience:

  • pain that is out of proportion to the actual damage, known as Hyperalgesia
  • pain that spreads to other areas of the body, known as Referred Pain
  • pain that lasts a long time = Chronic/Persistent pain 
  • pain that is triggered by harmless things like touch, pressure or temperature, called Allodynia

Chronic pain and central sensitization is a biopsychosocial experience and can affect anyone, but some people may be more prone to it than others due to:

  • genetic factors: history of chronic pain in the family
  • environmental factors: occupation (repetitive activities), prolonged sustained postures
  • social: life stressors, job dissatisfaction, interactions with boss/colleagues at
  • work, or with family/friends at home.

Ok, now what do I do about it?

Treatment involves DESENSITIZING your central nervous system. Our bodies are constantly changing and adapting to internal and external stimuli. Research has suggested that we may be able to RETRAIN our brain and take advantage of the powers of NEUROPLASTICITY, which is when the brain changes in response to experiences, good or bad. Physiotherapy offers evidence-based treatments that aim to desensitize the central nervous system and improve neuroplasticity. These interventions can
effectively reverse the mechanisms behind sensitization.

Some promising treatments include:

  • regular exercise: Regular physical activity can decrease the sensitivity of our nervous system by
    changing processes at the cellular level, re-calibrating the nociceptive signals sent to the brain. Exercise doesn’t have to be high-intensity or involve going to the gym. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga can be effective in reducing nervous system sensitivity. Try to aim for at least 30 mins per day 4-5x per week.
  • acupuncture: acupuncture blocks pain by activating a variety of bioactive chemicals through peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal mechanisms. Specific systemic insertion points by an experienced practitioner centrally through the spine (neck, upper and lower back) and peripherally (ankle, feet, hands) can unblock neurovascular pathways and promote increased blood flow.
  • lifestyle modifications: correct ergonomic setup at work (use of a standing desk), change of posture
    throughout the day (every hour), work-life balance, positive social experiences (friends and family),
    relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.

Take the first steps towards your recovery by booking an initial assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists. We offer a range of services at our clinic in Stouffville, including physiotherapy and massage therapy. Personalized treatment plans are provided that incorporate manual therapy,
electro-acupuncture, and tailored home exercise programs. Book your initial assessment using the link below:


https://stouffvillejointventure.janeapp.com
https://beaconhillphysio.janeapp.com


Remember, chronic pain and central sensitization require consistent effort and active participation to observe significant improvements in symptoms. With the guidance of our physiotherapy team in Stouffville, you can embark on your road to recovery and regain control of your life.

Filed Under: Blog

Previous Post: « What do I need? Physiotherapy or Massage Therapy??
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Beacon Hill Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
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Richa ShahRicha Shah
23:53 27 Mar 23
Beacon Hill Physio/Rehab is an excellent facility with excellent staff. They really take into consideration your needs and abilities before coming up with an action plan. In my case, Jane (Physiotherapist) did an amazing job with understanding what my situation was and she came up with strategies and an action plan to help me reach my goals. Lina (Massage Therapist) is amazing at what she does as well. She took the time to get to know my needs and made sure I was comfortable throughout the appointments. Furthermore, the assistant physiotherapists also take the time to get to know you and your needs. Front desk staff are wonderful to work with too. I have noticed improvements in my range of motion and couldn't have done it without the team at Beacon Hill Physio/Rehab! Thank you! ♡
Noreen AnwarNoreen Anwar
02:02 15 Mar 23
I have been searching for a massage therapist for years and I must say Alyssa has been simply amazing along with all others ! The best part about Alyssa is she knows exactly what areas to work on without you even having to tell her . She gets right in and gets your blood flow moving leaving you so relaxed for days. I have trouble sleeping at night due to an accident and she certainly makes me sleep for the 90 mins I am there . I personally go there twice a week as I cannot get enough of her amazing massages . She is so approachable very knowledgeable , makes you feel so comfortable and answers any questions you have in a second. I would love to clone her if I could! I would highly recommend her and this clinic as they have everything you need right at your doorstep! I am certainly their #1 fan and will continue to go here for as long as I can!
maria khanmaria khan
21:19 18 Feb 23
I highly recommend this place. I love the way Lina takes care of me. She's absolutely amazing and impressively honest with her profession. She knows the the pressure points and I always feel relaxed after her massage therapy.
Makenzie A MorganMakenzie A Morgan
04:49 09 Dec 22
An exceptional office. Jane is thoughtful, attentive and extremely responsive to my physical needs. My body feels more relaxed, and I know that I am on the right track to full healing and rehabilitation. I couldn't recommend another office more. Make the appointment!
Shakira MohamedShakira Mohamed
19:02 03 Dec 22
I highly reccomend this place. Jane and everyone else listens to you. She's always assessing my condition to ensure I'm receiving the best treatment. The staff are super friendly. I feel like I'm in an environment that generally cares about my well being. They always ask for consent when working on your body. Super friendly and knowledgeable and willing to answer questions. As someone who has had a traumatic experience somewhere else, this clinic has been a dream to me. They never try to push me to do things that could hurt me. I feel comfortable going to this place.
Rizwan MohamedRizwan Mohamed
16:27 14 Oct 22
I walked into the office without an appointment and was greeted with fantastic customer service. Physiotherapist Jane was able to see my for an assessment and continued my treatment program. All of the therapists and staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend Beacon Hill.
Shilpa PrabhakaraShilpa Prabhakara
09:44 04 Oct 22
I came to Beacon just by reading the reviews, and I must say i am more than happy with my experience. Jane Emblem and her team are treating me for my knee injury, and they have been doing a great job. They have not just worked on my mobility specific to my injury but aslo, helping me strengthen the muscles around the injury.The team is responsive and friendly. I would absolutely recommend them!
Tinka NanofskiTinka Nanofski
13:22 21 Sep 22
Following my hip surgery I needed a Physiotherapist that would do hands-on physio. I heard about Beacon Hill Physiotherapy and decided to give it a try. My time so far spent with Phil from Beacon Hill super exceeds my expectations far more than I imagined. Phil is hands-on works the muscles and I have seen major improvement not only in my mobility but also my pain tolerance. I would highly recommend anyone to Beacon Hill if they require any type of physiotherapy. Thank you Phil.2nd Review - Phil's team is amazing and thank you to everyone that is involved in my physiotherapy for always making me feel more than 100% better. I would recommend Beacon Hill Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation for all of your physio and rehab needs.
Dhilan BekahDhilan Bekah
16:09 15 Jul 22
My experience at Beacon Hill Physiotherapy has been amazing. I had been dealing with lower back issues for almost a year on and off, re-aggravated after any kind of sport or intense training. Phil and Jane were very friendly and welcoming from the onset, and they quickly managed to pinpoint the source of my problems (SI joint and a weak posterior chain). After a few weeks of treatment, the pain and stiffness subsided tremendously, and I have been able to continue my training to my desired level with almost full mobility and no pain. They are very well-informed and it is apparent that they care about patient recovery first and foremost. I will definitely be returning to this clinic for any periodic maintenance or re-aggravation. Thank you Phil, Jane and the rest of the team!
Jeremy RobertsJeremy Roberts
18:44 20 Jun 22
I was referred here by my family doctor and I am really happy with my experience. Jane Emblem and her team treated me, and they did a great job assessing my situation and putting together a plan specific to my injury. The team is friendly and engaging, but most importantly focused on patient recovery. I would absolutely recommend them!
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