If you are injured and want to use exercise as a modality it is important that you realise that the exercise does not treat pain directly.
Exercise may alleviate discomfort and improve functional ability. But it does not “treat” the pain. Likewise, when you seek the advice of a Biokineticist or exercise specialist they should not have the goal of trying to “treat” your pain. They need to treat you. The patient. Not the pain. In the process of the exercise journey the pain may diminish. This is more often than not (depending on the condition) due to the exercises addressing the causative factors rather than just the symptoms/consequences of your particular injury.
Often practitioners and patients alike get stuck “looking down the microscope”. They are so focused on pain that they miss the factors that contribute to the pain. Pain viewed from a “catastrophic model” perspective puts pain in the centre of attention. Something is wrong. There is a crisis, and the symptoms of that crisis need to be addressed immediately. And at a localised level. But you and your injury are more than just pain. Pain is complicated. It is multi-factorial. There are physical factors, biological factors, social factors, psychological factors, and even environmental/lifestyle factors. For this reason the treatment approach should be multi-factorial. Causation rather than catastrophe.
Your treatment team needs to keep this in mind and work as a unit rather than as individuals. Each team member has a role to play in the management of your injury. Doctors / Physiotherapists / Biokineticists / Osteopaths / Chiropractors need to work in unison to meet your treatment goals.
Voltaire was a philosopher in the 1700’s. He apparently wrote the following phrase: “Doctors/Physicians are like wizards/magicians, they enact trickery while the body effects the cure”. Given the right environment, and treatment approach, your body does the healing work. The therapists that you work with are privileged enough to be along for the ride. They may be highly educated/skilled, but your recovery is your responsibility and your achievement.
If you are injured and think that you could benefit from seeing a Biokineticist, speak to your Specialist / Doctor / Physiotherapist / Osteopath / Chiropractor, to see if you are a suitable candidate for Biokinetics exercise rehabilitation. Otherwise feel free to visit your local Biokineticist. If your injury is too acute, or in need of more physical therapy the Biokineticist will refer you to a Specialist / Doctor / Physiotherapist / Osteopath / Chiropractor for appropriate management and care.
References:
Microscope image: Techtimes
Pain image: PBS Newshour
Voltaire image: Amazing people