I can't even begin to count the number of times I've heard this line from clients when describing they're nagging low back pain, their "weak core," their painful feet that are so structurally weak that they can't exist without their orthotics and $150 ultra-supportive shoes, etc., etc. For the longest time, that's been standard thought and what we have been told by our doctors, and other medical "experts." We get old. And as we get older, our bodies "wear out" and we start to have pain because that's just how it is.
If this is the case, we have been wasting our time for decades by exercising, and training, and working hard to get "fit." With this logic, wouldn't those people who are using their bodies the most be the ones in the most pain, the most "worn out," and in worse shape than those who have "conserved energy," and minimized the wear and tear? Not to say that some of those people aren't in pain, or worn out. But that would be due more to improper training than the training itself (another topic for another day). Don't we look those "ultra-healthy" people and realize that they're doing something good and think we should or wish we could be that way too? And you would if your back didn't hurt, or your feet were better, or your knees weren't bad....
And those people are "super-human" and are just made differently, right? Wrong! I'm pretty sure all of those people have the same number of muscles, and bones, and heart, and lungs, and joints as everyone else. They've just chosen to do something with them!
So what can you do? The first step is to realize that the current condition you are in is not permanent! We all have starting points, and this is yours- you can only go up from here!
So what about that pain you've had for years that's not allowed you to do what you want to do? That's not permanent, either! There's exciting news out, written by one of the world leaders in pain research, Dr. Lorimer Moseley, about the actual physiology of pain and what it means. If you want to read the actual scientific explanation and research, it's very fascinating. Here's the link: "Reconceptualising Pain According to Modern Pain Science"
What this article says, in a nutshell, is that pain is actually a signal sent to and processed by the brain. The brain then interprets the signal, and decides whether or not that tissue is perceived to be "under threat." If there is perceived "threat" to the tissue, the brain will allow you to feel pain in that area as a warning sign that something is wrong, and needs to be addressed. Pain is an action signal, not always red light!
What does all of this mean? It means, if you address and reduce the threat, the pain will subside! The majority of pain receptors in our body exist in our joints, and for a good reason. If our joints aren't healthy or aren't protected, we lose our ability to move. So those pain receptors exist in the joints to make sure they stay protected. But, we also have receptors, called mechanoreceptors, that exist in our joints as well. Mechanoreceptors are movement sensors. When a joint moves, they are stimulated and send a signal to the brain as well. These movement signals travel approximately 200 mph, while pain signals travel approximately 50 mph (example: when we step on something sharp, it takes almost a whole second before we say "ouch!"). So, when a joint moves appropriately, mechanoreceptor signals flood the brain, speed past the pain signals, and override them. If the movement is good, and safe for the joint, the "good" signals (movement- because, as we know, joints were designed to move) override the "bad" (pain) signals, the brain no longer perceives a threat to that area, and won't allow us to feel that pain. If the movement is dangerous or not appropriate, the opposite will occur. Injuries do occur, and do cause pain. But, it is well documented that tissue injuries heal within 4-6 weeks. The residual pain that is left after that time is your brain's remaining perceived threat to that area, and is still protecting it from another injury because proper movement hasn't been totally restored.
What this is telling us to do is move! Move well, and move appropriately, and your pain will gradually subside as your movement improves. If this is a new concept for you, or you've tried doing some sort of movement program before without success, find an expert who can help you and progress you appropriately. Nobody is too old or too "broken" to improve. As humans, we have the amazing ability to always adapt to any stress that's placed on our body. That's how we've survived and evolved over centuries. So, appropriate training, with the appropriate focus will allow you to improve from any starting point.
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