The effect of a sports physio for chronic pain and overuse

Chronic pain is a complex and often debilitating condition characterised by pain that persists for more than three months despite treatment of the symptoms. Unlike acute pain, which is a warning signal from the body of injury or damage, chronic pain is a persistent condition that may persist even after the original cause has disappeared. It can be constant or occur episodically, with symptoms varying in intensity. Chronic pain may stem from a previous injury, such as a sports injury or surgery, but sometimes there is no obvious cause. This persistent pain can have a profound effect on daily life, affects the ability to work, exercise and even rest. It is not only a physical challenge, but unfortunately can also cause emotional and psychological stress.

Overload occurs when muscles, tendons or joints are repeatedly exposed to stress and exertion without sufficient time for recovery. This phenomenon is personal and varies greatly from person to person. For one person, overexertion can occur after only 2 kilometres of walking, while another only starts to feel symptoms after 20 kilometres running. The core of overuse lies in the repetition of certain movements or intense training sessions without adequate rest periods, which do not give the body a chance to repair and cure.

With overuse, muscles, tendons and joints are constantly exposed to microtrauma, small tears and damage that are normally repaired by the body during periods of rest. When this rest is lacking, the damage accumulates and leads to pain and inflammation.

Symptoms of overexertion can vary, but usually include:

• Pain: This is often the first indication of strain and can range from mild discomfort to intense pain, depending on the severity of the strain and the affected structures.
• Swelling: Inflammation and fluid accumulation in the affected area are common reactions of the body to constant stress.
• Reduced mobility: Restricted movement and stiffness may occur due to swelling and pain, making it difficult to move the affected limbs or joints normally.
• Power loss: Persistent overuse can lead to a reduction in muscle strength and function, affecting the ability to perform daily activities.

Overuse is often the result of several factors, including:

• Repetitive movements: Activities that require the same movement all the time, such as running, cycling, or work-related tasks, can lead to overexertion.
• Intensive training: Heavy training sessions without adequate rest and recovery can contribute to overtraining.
• Incorrect technique: Incorrect movement techniques can put extra stress on muscles and joints, increasing the risk of strain.
• Poor condition: A lack of basic fitness and strength can make the body more vulnerable to overuse injuries.
• External factors: Poor footwear, uneven surfaces and other environmental factors can contribute to body strain.

Overuse complaints are common in athletes who train and play intensively, and arise from repetitive strain on specific parts of the body, which can lead to pain and reduced performance. Unlike chronic complaints, there is often a clear beginning and end to this. For example, we know that various overuse injuries can last 6-12 weeks.

At chronic pain is often experienced more stress and pain in our bodies than is necessary. Imagine bumping your little toe against a step. Normally, this would trigger an alarm signal in your body. At chronic pain however, as many as 10 alarm signals may go off. These pain signals alert your body to possible imminent danger and trigger a protective response. This is our primal mechanism: fight or flight. In the case of chronic pain however, these alarm signals can go off for no apparent reason, causing you to experience pain without any actual damage.

In chronic pain therefore, alarm signals can occur without any real reason. The pain you feel may be real, but there is sometimes no actual damage or obvious cause. These alarm signals are often linked to the production of stress hormones in our body, such as cortisol. The more stress signals there are, the more cortisol is produced, which can lead to an increased experience of pain.

Scientific research shows that supervised exercise can have a significant effect in the treatment of chronic pain. Our therapists at Physio Fitaal use a combination of manual therapy and exercise therapy to reduce pain and improve the function of surrounding structures.

Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, we will see which exercises and movements have an effect on these stress signals in your body. Research shows that exercise can have a calming effect on our experience of pain. During exercise, different substances (neurotransmitters) are released in our brains that can lead to positive feelings. One of these substances is endorphins, our body's own morphine, so as you may already understand, this has an analgesic effect.

When you exercise, for example by cycling, walking or some other form of physical activity, these endorphins are released. Endorphins act as natural painkillers, they can lead to pain attenuation, a better mood and a less intense pain experience. Our alarm signals leading to pain are then dampened. In this way, exercise can be seen as a healthy painkiller. By exercising regularly, our bodies produce more pain-relieving substances and fewer stress hormones.

Consistent training and exercise can lead to reduced recognition of alarm signals. This helps the body regain balance and reduce the experience of pain. Physiotherapy focuses on finding the right balance between rest and activity, allowing your body to recover and get stronger without becoming overloaded. Understanding the complex interaction between chronic pain, stress signals and movement is crucial for effective recovery. With the right guidance and a tailor-made treatment plan, you can regain control of your life and enjoy exercise and activity to the full again.

At Fysio Fitaal, your health and recovery are key. Whether you are dealing with chronic complaints or overuse issues, our sports physiotherapy offers a comprehensive and tailored approach aimed at your full recovery and preventing future problems. By working together on your recovery, we ensure that you can get back to enjoying your sports and activities quickly and responsibly. Take a call today contact with us to find out how we can help you achieve your goals and live a pain-free, active life.