​ The appointments, the images that show nothing out of ordinary, THE PAIN!
Chronic pain is not for the faint-hearted and requires a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach for patient comfort and rehabilitation.

The Australian Institue of Health and Welfare (2020) classifies chronic pain as "pain that lasts beyond normal healing time after injury or illness - generally 3 to 6 months." The same source of information states that in 2016 1 in 5 people aged 45 and over experienced chronic pain. Females are more likely to experience chronic pain and people over the age of 45 with chronic pain are 5 times more likely to be 'limited a lot' in daily activities compared to those that do not have chronic pain. From a clinical perspective this study could be improved by including younger age groups. From a practitioner perspective this number could be up to 1 in 10 people aged between 20 and 45 that suffer from chronic pain.

Sometimes the source of pain can be linked to a particular activity, incident or inury. At other times the pain has a chronicity that extends well beyond the original injury it's hard to tell if it has been sparked by one incident or is the accumulation of many things. For example, I am aware of when my pain started and what makes pain worse, I couldn't tell you if I have particiapted in an activity that has increased the original pain or how the pain has progressed since its onset. I'm unable to avoid aggravating activites and the pain can vary from each day, but it is rare for it to disappear completely. The confusion that comes from this and the timeline of pain becomes a muddy picture in my mind.

After an extensive (over 2 year) period of chronic pain I have become very adept at 'hiding' my pain from others. This means that at times I have avoided and declined numerous invitations for sporting and social activities. High periods of pain can cause mood swings ranging from anger to upset - let's face it I am reaching an age where peri-menopause could be blamed for these as well!

Studies show that 40% of adults with chronic pain expereince "clinically significant depression and anxiety" for this reason chronic pain patients need to be approached from a holistic perspective including assessment of physical and psychological symptoms. Osteopathy is unique in it's approach to healthcare as it addresses the treatment of physical symptoms and regulation of the nervous systems through varied techniques in a safe and gentle manner.

Whilst I have no single solution and have seen many health professional for my own pain I am highly aware that the language surrounding chronic pain is important, along with having a team of practitioners in your corner that have genuine concern for your health. This includes an awareness and understanding of physical pain along with the mental, emotional and often financial aspects associated with it.

If you are looking for a health practitioner that understands chronic pain from a personal perspective then I would love to connect with you. If I don't understand your condition I will do my best to research and find the right team of professionals for you. We are incredibly lucky to have amazing health practitioners within the Northern Rivers and the addition of a designated NSW Health Pain Clinic, specialising in holistic chronic pain care.

For me the journey through navigating and repairing my physical and mental health through chronic pain will continue, in the hope that I can reach my upcoming 40's pain free and returning to the activities that I previously enjoyed.

Written by Angela Slattery - Osteopath

After a vigorous sport event, your body has taken on a significant amount of stress. Whether it was a marathon, a tennis match, or a football game, the muscles endure high levels of strain, and this can lead to soreness, tightness, and even injury if not properly managed. That’s where post-sport event massage comes in.

Here are some key benefits of massage after a sport event:
1. Reduces Muscle Soreness - Massage therapy has been shown to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after physical activity. A study published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine found that massage can significantly decrease muscle soreness and stiffness after a strenuous workout or sports event. By promoting blood circulation, massage helps in removing metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, which accumulate in the muscles during intense physical activity.

2. Enhances Flexibility - Post-event massage helps to improve the range of motion in joints and muscles by reducing tightness and stiffness. This benefit is particularly useful for athletes who need to recover quickly and get back to their routine. The increased circulation and stretching effect of massage can help restore the natural elasticity of the muscles, which may have been compromised during intense activity.

3. Promotes Faster Recovery - Massage speeds up the recovery process by boosting blood flow to tired muscles. This improved circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping to repair tissue damage faster. A review in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance concluded that massage post-event promotes quicker muscle recovery, reducing the time it takes to get back to peak performance levels.

4. Decreases Stress and Enhances Mental Clarity - Physical exertion doesn’t just affect your muscles; it can also create mental fatigue and stress. Post-event massage can help reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone, in the body, leading to a calming effect and enhanced mental clarity. This relaxation benefit can help athletes unwind and regain focus for their next training session or competition.

5. Prevents Injury - Massage can help break down scar tissue and prevent muscle imbalances, which are often precursors to injury. Regular post-sport massages keep the muscles in an optimal state for movement, preventing overstretching or muscle tears. By helping to release tension and improve posture, massage can also prevent the development of chronic issues over time.

Evidence Supporting the Benefits:

• A study published in Science and Sports in 2017 found that athletes who received post-event massage had lower levels of perceived muscle soreness and faster recovery times than those who didn’t.
• According to a review in the Journal of Athletic Training, massage therapy post-sport event is effective at reducing muscle soreness, alleviating muscle stiffness, and improving the overall rate of recovery.

By incorporating post-event massage into your recovery routine, you can reduce muscle pain, enhance flexibility, and recover more quickly, setting you up for greater athletic performance in the future.
Treat Your Body Right:Incorporate post-sport massage into your routine and allow your body to recover with the care it deserves. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or someone who enjoys staying active, massage can significantly improve your recovery time and prevent injury—ensuring you're always ready for your next challenge!

Sources:

• Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, Massage and recovery from exercise.
• International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, Effects of massage on recovery.
• Journal of Athletic Training, Massage for recovery in athletes.

Blog article written by Massage Therapist Isabelle Gannon. All information is general in nature. Your treating practitioner will assess your individual presentation and discuss your needs prior to treatment. To make an appointment with a massage therapist CLICK HERE