HAHPN - October #1 2010

• Pain Has Feelings
• It Starts in the Mouth

Pain Has Feelings
It hurts.

I used to believe in "no pain, no gain". I do not anymore. When it comes to exercising, it is not wise to fight through pain that can induce further injury. It's a moral rule of thumb: if a joint is painful rest it and get the appropriate care. A painful joint means that you can work with the pain and to the pain level not through it.

I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled "Getting in Shape but Without the Pain". Wholeheartedly, I agree with the article and add that the pain you feel when you squat and say "Owie!" is different from the pain you feel sans joint pain when you have not worked out for a while. Just a thought.

Pain is weakness leaving the body...I guess there are several ways to look at this quote. Pain could represent a number of things they do not involve exercise. But, in this case, movements that are pain-free are definitely beneficial when performed correctly; so the effort to strengthen is clearly present. As long as pain is present, very little movement will be performed - those individuals with chronic pain know the feeling.

Pain, it hurts but don't ignore it. Don't let anyone tell you to ignore it, if it is truly bothersome.

It Starts in the Mouth
"It" is not pain.

As I was reminded at my last dentist visit to continue to take care of my teeth; that is, brush, floss, and use mouthwash, I realized that our habits start in the mouth. Good and poor dental hygiene begin in above your shoulders. Often times, we opt to correct these habits that migrate down our bodies. But, there is a large percentage that ignores them.

The dentist, therapist, trainer, and doctor share a common bond with each other and with everyone else: We may not want to visit one another, but we will when it comes down to it...while we're engaged in the treatment we feel smarter...when the treatment has ended, hopefully, we feel better!

This health field is vast (the four mentioned above are just a small part). Many individuals in these professions work together to get the best out of patients. The difficult part is working well with each profession.

Be well,

Derek