As an experienced massage therapist, I see folk in pain daily.  Without blowing my own trumpet too much, I’m a really good therapist and I know I can almost always help.  So it comes as something of a shock to me when I come across someone who’s been putting up with pain.

Recently for instance, I worked with a gentleman who’d come back for a second treatment for serious pains in his calf and foot.  The first time I’d taken a complete case history – as I always do.  We spoke about his medical history, his meds, operations, injuries etc, what had led up to the issues and what we was experiencing at that time.  Any other problems?  No?  All good.  We did some massage, he left feeling much better and rebooked for the following week.  Great.

The second treatment came around and we talked about his foot – much improved, pain greatly reduced.  “More of the same please” – he said.  Excellent.

He was just about to get on the table when he mentioned the pain in his hip.  “Which pain?” I asked.  Oh it’s been there for about 3 years.  It gets so bad it stops me walking sometimes.

Okaaaaaay ….. do you have pain anywhere else?  Oh yes, my lower back hurts too.  Right … anywhere else?  Yes.  In my groin.  That’s been there for 10 years since the op.

Which op?

The double hernia op.

Right.

So basically, he came about a lower leg problem which is about 3 months old and didn’t mention lower back and groin pain he’s had for 10 years and which gets so bad it stops him from walking.

Now, ok, my bad because my questions didn’t reveal these problems first time around – I take responsibility for that.

But he’s been putting up with pain for a decade!  That’s 10 years of poorer-quality life.

Don’t do this yourself.

Please, please, PLEASE don’t put up with pain.

If you are in pain, get some help.  Go to the GP, go back to your previous trusted physical therapist.  Call me.  Do something. If you’re not sure who to go and see, just call me for a free chat.  I’m always honest and if I can’t help, I’ll say so and point you to somewhere or someone else.