Pain Terminology Learn how clinicians and practitioners use pain terminology to better understand your unique circumstances. Taxonomy The terms used in pain science do not follow a single rigid taxonomy. Terms can overlap and vary in definition from person to person and source to source. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) provides
Central Sensitization Learn what central sensitization is, the challenges it presents, and methods to help manage it. Why Does My Pain Not Make Sense? Central sensitization is an amplification of neural signaling within the central nervous system that makes the body hyper-responsive to pain and other sensory stimuli. It acts like a faulty smoke alarm,
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Fear-Avoidance Cycle Learn what the fear-avoidance cycle is, how it can influence our relationships, and some coping tools to manage it. Fear-Avoidance Cycle Once we are in a fear-avoidance cycle, normal or safe signals can feel threatening. This happens because the central nervous system is amplifying the signals it receives, making it more challenging for
Chronic Pain Learn about Chronic pain, its common symptoms, valuable resources, and how pain management can help you find pain relief. Chronic Pain Chronic pain is discomfort that persists or recurs for more than 3 to 6 months, often occurring after the wound or illness has healed. Acute pain is usually the sign of a
Body Perception Disorder Learn about body perception disorder and its role in chronic pain and symptoms like hyperalgesia and allodynia. Body Perception Disorder Body perception disorder isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but a range of conditions where someone has a distorted, altered, or disrupted awareness, ownership, or understanding of their body. An individual experiencing body perception
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PTSD Learn about the common symptoms, treatments, and resources available to people with PTSD and ASD. PTSD PTSD, also known as post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic, terrifying, or life-threatening event. Individuals who experience significant duress following a traumatic episode may be diagnosed
Iatrogenic Harm Learn how you can reduce the risk of iatrogenic harm by advocating for yourself and becoming your access point to pain relief. Iatrogenic Harm Iatrogenic refers to any illness, injury, adverse effect, or complication that is caused by medical examination, treatment, or intervention (including diagnostic procedures, medications, surgery, or even the healthcare provider’s
Still-Face Learn about the still-face paradigm and how it can affect your relationships, care, and ability to manage your pain. Still-Face Still-face, sometimes known as blank face, is a term derived from the Still-Face experiment performed by Dr. Edward Tronick in the 1970s. In this experiment, a parent, usually the mother, and infant (typically between
5-4-3-2-1 Learn how 5-4-3-2-1 can help you manage your anxiety, pain, and overwhelming emotions. 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Grounding Pause, take a breath, and identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. 5 things you can see 4
EMDR Learn about EMDR, also known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. My Role I do not offer EMDR therapy or psychological counseling. In the context of pain management, I offer three primary services: Pain Management Massage, Pain Management Coaching, and Massage Instruction. Pain Management Massage: As your massage therapist, I want to help your
