Pain is a highly subjective experience. It has physical as well as psychological dimensions, and some people can be highly tolerant of physical pain yet highly sensitive to psychological pain. A heartbreak for example, though not always observed externally, can be as real a pain as a serious physical injury in terms of creating acute and chronic dysfunctions.
Psychological pain can be felt physically. Muscle tightness, which can be an aspect of chronic anxiety, is “real” physical pain, even though it may have a purely psychological origin. Anxiety can cause physical pain and physical pain can anxiety, and when unmanaged the combined effects can produce an escalating health concern. Think of how a subtle search for tooth pain can come into focus when a conversation turns to dentistry. And imagine how a tooth pain might generate tensions about a possible major episode in a dentist’s office.
Dwelling on an unmanaged pain can trigger fears and worries about the future effects of a specific pain on quality of life. Because pain is a signal telling us to do something about pain, unmanaged chronic pain may lead to chronic anxiety, nudging people toward self-medication. Physical and occupational therapy provide a visible approach for managing disturbing physical pains resulting from trauma and injury. Through training and coaching, this therapeutic approach offers anxious individuals a healthy alternative to self-medication.
The list below will point to local practices that specialize in physical or occupational therapy. Click on highlighted practice names to learn more.
OPPAS OPT John Schilkowsky, Clinical Director at PAPPAS OPT, 236 County Rd, Barrington, RI 02806 · (401) 247-0500 INTERVIEW
Selected References
Calm Clinic; Physical Symptoms of Anxiety; Pain, Anxiety, & Depression; Over 100 Anxiety Symptoms