B.A.S.S. – Balance. agility. strength. stretching

BRAIN B.A.S.S for Week 5 - Turn Down the Volume

By Carolyn kenny

Pain is one of the body's most important protective systems. It encourages us to stop, rest and recover after an injury.

But what happens when the injury has healed, yet the pain is still there?

A quick check

Have you ever wondered why your pain seems worse on some days than others?

Or avoided certain movements because you were worried you might make things worse?

If so, you're not alone.

Why this matters

When pain first starts, it usually has a clear purpose. It tells us to protect an injured area while the body's remarkable healing processes get to work. For many injuries, recovery follows a fairly predictable path.

Persistent pain is different.

When pain continues for more than about 12 weeks, the tissues are no longer the whole story. Your brain and nervous system can become extra protective, making pain easier to trigger and harder to settle. The pain is real, but the body's alarm system has become more sensitive.

That doesn't mean the pain is "all in your head." It means your brain is doing its best to protect you.

Changing the story

Carolyn explains how understanding pain can be one of the most powerful treatments for persistent pain.

Research over the past two decades has shown that learning about pain helps many people become less fearful of movement and more confident using their bodies again.

The NOI Group describes some unhelpful beliefs about pain as "thought viruses." Thoughts such as "If I bend, I'll damage my back" or "Pain means I should stop moving" can unintentionally keep the brain's alarm system switched on.

As you begin to understand how pain works, those thoughts become easier to challenge.

What to do this week

This week's Brain B.A.S.S. is about building confidence through movement.

Rather than avoiding activity altogether, focus on moving little and often. Comfortable, regular movement helps remind your brain that your body is capable and that everyday movement is safe.

It doesn't have to be a long walk or a hard workout. Standing up regularly, taking a short walk, or practising this week's Brain B.A.S.S. exercises all send positive messages to your nervous system.

If you'd like to learn more, Carolyn also recommends two excellent short videos:

Understanding Pain in Less Than Five Minutes

Thought Viruses (NOI Group)

They explain modern pain science in a simple, practical way.

This week's reminder:

Move little and often.

Join Anna-Louise as she helps you become more aware of how your brain can influence and calm pain.

HOW Do you feel after CLASS?

Thank you for being a part of our Physiocise community.

If you’ve felt supported, encouraged, or stronger after your sessions, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to share a quick Google Review.

Your words can help others feel confident in taking their first step. Thank you!