Determining The Origins of Your Pain

— March 2025 Newsletter —

Are you tired of dealing with pain day in and day out? Have you been struggling with persistent pain for months or even years, and it’s taking a bigger and bigger toll on your life? For some people with pain, the simplest tasks are now major challenges, and over-the-counter and/or prescription pain meds don’t seem to provide any relief.

Unfortunately, this is a common experience for millions of Americans. Recent research has found that over 100 million people suffer from persistent pain each year. This is where Aspen Rehab steps in.

At Aspen Rehab, we understand that pain comes in various forms, affecting people in unique ways. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in pain management, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible.

We know that pain can be overwhelming, but we’re here to remind you that there is hope! 

Understanding Different Types of Pain

Pain is a complex sensation, and it can be categorized into five main types, each with its own characteristics and underlying mechanisms. Here’s an explanation of these types:

• Nociceptive Pain: This type of pain results from the stimulation of specialized nerve sensors called nociceptors. Nociceptive pain is often described as sharp, aching, or throbbing and is typically localized. It can be acute, like when you accidentally bump your knee, or chronic, as seen in conditions like arthritis.
  
• Central Pain: Central pain arises from dysfunctions within the central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord). Central pain starts inside the central nervous system itself. Examples include fibromyalgia and pain associated with spinal cord injuries.
  
• Neuropathic Pain: This pain type is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. It may manifest as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. It is typically associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or nerve injuries (i.e., sciatica).
  
• Psychosocial Pain: Psychosocial pain involves mental and/or social factors influencing pain perception. Stress, anxiety, depression, and social support (or lack thereof) can significantly influence how pain is experienced. It is not directly tied to tissue damage but is due to mental and emotional states.
  
• Movement System Pain: This pain is directly related to the biomechanics of movement, such as issues with joint positions or control and/or muscle imbalances. Physical therapists often work with this type of pain, prescribing targeted exercises to correct movement dysfunctions contributing to the discomfort.

Regardless of the type of pain you’re dealing with, our therapists will work with you to identify and target the sources of your pain. We’ll use gentle techniques and exercises to address these issues and help you find relief. 

When you come to a physical therapy session at Aspen Rehab, you’re taking a significant step towards finding relief from pain and improving your overall well-being. Your first session will typically begin with questions about your medical history, the specific nature of your pain, its location, and any factors that make it better or worse. 

After discussing your medical history, your therapists will evaluate your posture, muscle strength, range of motion, and any areas of tenderness. They’ll also assess your movement patterns to identify any abnormalities or dysfunctions.

Based on the information gathered during the evaluation, your physical therapist will work to identify the underlying issue causing your pain. This may involve determining the type of pain (e.g., nociceptive, neuropathic, or movement system-related) and its primary sources.

Once your therapist has a clear understanding of your condition, they will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our treatments may include manual therapy techniques to release tension and improve joint mobility. Exercises are another crucial component, tailored to your specific needs and designed to correct any movement dysfunctions. Education plays a vital role in empowering you with the knowledge and tools to manage your pain effectively.

Patients are often fearful of making their condition worse. As a result, they often either do nothing or get so frustrated they ignore clear warning signs and push through. In either case, the result is more suffering. The key is to find a balance in the middle, where you do just enough to improve but not enough to make it worse. 

At Aspen Rehab our therapists will help you find that balance, guiding you through the steps you need to take to feel good again!

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Go to the Pain, Not Through the Pain

Myofascial Release at Aspen Rehab

Are you living with stiff or tight muscles? If so, you have what is called myofascial pain caused by muscular irritation. Myofascial release is a type of physical therapy treatment in the form of massage that helps alleviate pain by relieving tension within the affected muscles. Our physical therapists are highly trained in the method of myofascial release, with extensive understanding of what specific pressure points to focus on, in order to bring your fascia back to its elastic form. 

If your stiff or tight muscles are limiting your daily life, don’t hesitate to contact Aspen Rehabilitation today to request a consultation. One of our physical therapists would be happy to meet with you and discuss how myofascial release can benefit you!

Common Conditions Treated by Myofascial Release

When muscles become constricted or tight, it can significantly impact your mobility. This can cause pain and limitations with movement. Fortunately, myofascial release works to reverse this by loosening up the constricted muscles, thus allowing for easier, pain-free movement.

There are several conditions that can be treated with myofascial release. Some of the most common include:

Myofascial pain syndrome

This is the most commonly treated condition through myofascial release, and it can affect many of your muscles. The “trigger points” for your myofascial pain are determined and then massaged out.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome can benefit from myofascial release by having the muscles in their hands, wrists, and/or arms massaged, in order to improve function and mobility.

Temporomandibular joint disorder

The muscles around the jaw are massaged through myofascial release in many patients with temporomandibular joint disorder. This decreases pain and inflammation, as well as increases mobility of the jaw.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can also cause stiffness in multiple muscles. The affected areas will be determined and then massaged.

Chronic headaches/migraines

Myofascial release has also been known to relieve the pain of chronic headaches and migraines by massaging the tightened muscles around the head and neck.

Venous insufficiency

Myofascial release can help reduce the amount of blood pooled in the veins and allow for more efficient blood flow, decreasing the pain felt in the veins.

Sports Injury

Sports Injury can also cause muscle stiffness. The affected area will be massaged to loosen up the muscles and allow for a quicker healing process.

Find Relief with Aspen Rehab

If you have been diagnosed with one of the conditions listed above or another condition that you think could benefit from myofascial release, contact us today. At your initial appointment, our physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive exam to determine if the myofascial release will be the best course of treatment for you. At Aspen Rehab, we are dedicated to providing the best quality treatment for your individual needs. Don’t let stiff, tight, or constricted muscles limit your life any longer! Contact us today for relief.