I'm no horse whisperer but...
Imagine a horse standing by a stream, thirsty yet hesitant to drink. Now, envision a client in a massage or pilates studio, physiotherapy clinic, etc. equally hesitant to engage in their pain management journey. If it's not that they don't want results, then what?
"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."
It can be tempting for us Massage Therapists to tell ourselves this when clients don’t reach their goals. There is a sense of frustration when all the knowledge and technical skills don’t yield results because the client hasn’t been able to integrate the ‘tools’ into their daily activities. Tools like: Stretch regularly, build muscles, reduce stress, reduce time sitting, etc.
The flaw in this thinking makes the assumption that individuals should inherently know how to manage their pain once provided with “tools”. And relies on the belief that everyone possesses the same level of understanding, motivations, and capacity to implement pain management strategies on their own.
the goal MAY seem obvious.
However, taking steps in the direction is not. Pain can leave people feeling frustrated, isolated and helpless. And those who have tried so many different avenues already are often left feeling spent from their trial & error approach.
Humans are complex with diverse motivations, fears, and personal histories. Pain is also complex and not a one-size-fits-all experience; it encompasses physical discomfort, emotional distress, and psychological frustrations. Clearly then, individuals require more than just access to more tools & strategies.
What if taking a step back was a better way to move forward?
Understanding what makes you tick first could help with the decision making process of what kind of treatment strategies would achieve meaningful results for you. There is no ‘best chiro on the planet’ or ‘guaranteed fix for your back’. There is you, in relation to your pain. Exploring your mindset around and bridging the gap of where you’d like to be is coaching in a nutshell.
The significant benefit of having a coach is having someone in your corner. A partnered effort to:
Redefine your relationship with pain & gain clarity on how to move forward
Understand what makes you tick so you can make informed decisions about the right kind of treatment for your goals
Get you back in control of your time & commit to achieving lasting results.
Celebrate your wins big & small as you create the version of you who is not bogged down by pain.
With a fresh perspective on how coaching can enhance the effectiveness of pain management strategies I am interested in evolving Omnia Bodyworks into the online space. I may be no horse whisperer but I am committed to providing more comprehensive support to individuals navigating persistent pain, empowering them to reclaim their well-being.
As I embark on this new venture, I am filled with optimism to help more people in the pursuit of lasting relief and resilience. Watch this space.