The road to recovery is very rarely smooth. One day we’re feeling great, and the next we’re having to deal with pain that can last from hours to weeks, impacting on our self esteem and our ability to go about our normal day-to-day life. Flare ups are very common and a very normal part of the process, but can understandably be worrying and frustrating! So if you do experience a flare up in your rehabilitation journey, then bear in the mind the following:
- Flare ups are not set backsUse them as an opportunity to reflect and learn about what may be pain triggers for you. What else was happening in life around the time my flare up started? How can I be better prepared in the future?
- You can modify your activity in the short termYou can reduce the volume or intensity of an activity. Respect you symptoms but don’t stop completely.
- Meet up with your Physiotherapist / healthcare providerEven virtually is possible. They can help you better understand what happened and plan going forward.
- A flare up can create a stress response in the bodyThis is sometimes called a “fight or flight response”. We know we can buffer a stress response with: physical activity, sleep, connection, optimism etc. Focus on your response, not the stress itself.
- Pause and reflect on the situationSit with your thoughts. Be mindful and present to your seat within. Do not let your ‘Thinking Mind’ pull you into autopilot behaviours, avoidance or anxiety. Take the time to plan how you will go about this.
- Stay focussed on the end goalIt’s tempting to believe that if a flare up happens then your approach to goals isn’t working. This is not true. Flare ups are normal and often expected. Take reassurance that this is a normal part of your journey.
Your rehabilitation journey:
If you would like any help or guidance on managing in a flare up, then don’t hesitate to get in touch!
