Making this mindbody approach work for you

To get the most out of using a MindBody approach to chronic pain, it’s essential to embrace the idea that your pain is not purely physical but deeply connected to your emotions, stress, behaviors and mindset. The key is to cultivate awareness of how your mind and body are interacting, and work on healing from the inside out.

This approach empowers you to take control of your pain and break free from the limitations it creates in your life.

What is Chronic / MindBody pain?

Let’s break down the difference between acute and chronic pain with a story:

Imagine Sarah and Mike…

…two avid hikers, both twist their ankles during a walk. They get home, ice it, and rest. The pain they feel right after the injury is ‘acute pain’—it’s sharp, immediate, and usually lasts only as long as it takes for the body to heal. Both Sarah and Mike recover physically in about 6 weeks.

But here’s where the story changes.

For Sarah, life is relatively calm—she has a flexible job, plenty of rest, and the time to rehab properly. Once her ankle heals, she’s back to hiking without any lingering pain.

Mike, on the other hand, has a different story. He’s juggling work deadlines, family commitments, and financial stress. Even though his ankle has physically healed, Mike continues to feel pain. This is ‘chronic pain’—pain that lasts beyond normal healing time, often sticking around for months or even years.

Why Does Mike Still Feel Pain?

When there’s a lot going on in life, pain can get worse. Stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety can cause the nervous system to stay on high alert, making it sensitive to any sensation, even if the injury has healed.

In Mike’s case, his mind is still focused on the injury. He’s scared of going for that next hike, worried he’ll hurt his ankle again. That fear creates a mental loop, where his brain associates movement with danger—even if it’s safe now. The pain becomes ‘conditioned’—more about what the brain expects than what’s happening in the body

Fear and Beliefs Make Pain Worse

Mike’s inner dialogue also makes a difference. Maybe he’s been told, “Once you hurt your ankle, it’ll never be the same.” Or maybe he’s thinking, 'What if this pain means there's permanent damage I don't know about?'"

When we believe that our pain is dangerous or hear alarming language, it triggers the brain’s ‘fear response’. The brain starts interpreting these signals as a threat, making the pain feel more intense and lasting longer.

By addressing fears and beliefs it’s possible to break this cycle.

The Good News?

Recovery is possible, even for people who’ve had chronic pain for a long time. By shifting the focus away from fear, addressing stress, and reintroducing movement in a safe, supported way, your body—and your brain—can reset. 

If you’re a busy, outdoors-loving person dealing with pain that just won’t go away, know that you’re not alone. Sometimes, it’s not just the injury but life’s pressures that keep the pain going. With a MindBody approach, you can break the cycle, regain control, and get back to doing what you love! 

Your Guide to Getting the Most from Mindbody Coaching for Pain Relief

Coaching is a collaborative journey designed to support your unique challenges and goals for managing chronic pain or mindbody symptoms. If you’re ready to experience the full benefits, this guide will help you engage with the process meaningfully.

Let’s explore how to harness the full potential of coaching.

  • Believe in the possibility that your pain will not last forever. Trust that your body has the ability to heal, and that pain is often a signal of unresolved emotional stress, not permanent damage

  • Be open to the idea that your emotions and patterns of behavior may be contributing to your pain. Recognize that unresolved stress or suppressed feelings could be showing up in your body.

  • Commit to ongoing self-awareness, reflection, and personal responsibility for your health with regular check-in’s.

  • Actively identify and change habits or behaviors that may be worsening your symptoms, whether it’s overworking, avoiding rest, or pushing through stress without release.

  • Shift from a “victim” mindset to one of empowerment. Believe that you have the inner resources to heal, and trust in your body’s ability to recover as you engage with the MindBody approach.