Promoting the healing process

We are wonderful organisms, with the ability to heal ourselves from the most catastrophic injuries.  If we didn’t heal ourselves, we’d be rapidly disabled by childhood knocks and scrapes.  Broken bones heal, cuts scar over and torn muscles knit together, as do all tissues. Your body will always try to heal.

But if you want to get better, you must stop doing things that prevent healing.

In the early days after injury, pain is a good guide.  Movement is essential.  Without movement the scar tissue which is forming may stick to itself and the muscles in the area will weaken quickly, both of which can cause longer term problems – which can still be resolved by the way. Move within the limits of pain; movement is essential for blood flow and exchange of waste products and nutrients – movement pumps the old blood and inflammation out and brings fresh blood in. One of the reasons pain increases with inactivity is that there’s a build up of inflammation when you’re still.

The reliever exercises are designed to help with the process of healing.  But in essence, any movement you can do that doesn’t increase your pain is a good thing – walking can be excellent therapy.  Even something as simple as gently wobbling will help you heal faster and more fully.

Remember this principle –  Use it or Lose it, but Don’t Abuse it!  (UIOLIBDAI.)

And – here’s a tip – try to feel grateful for the movement you still have.  It’s easier to build from a position of gratitude than it is from one of fear.

Click here for Lesson 4 in the online course for lower back pain and sciatica.

Click here for Lesson 6 in the online course for lower back pain and sciatica.