Wellbeing
The science of why pain is more than injury
CAITLYN HUTH explains why our body’s alarm system can be oversensitive and how to ‘reset the dial’.
Pain is one of the body’s most important protective systems, designed to alert us to potential harm.
But like any alarm, it can sometimes become oversensitive, going off even when there’s no real danger.
Think of a smoke alarm: ideally, it warns you when there’s a fire. But if it’s set too sensitive, it might go off from burnt toast. Your body’s pain system can act the same way.
This ‘alarm system’ is influenced by more than just physical injury. Past injuries, ongoing stress, lack of sleep, low mood and even old trauma can make the system more reactive.
Over time, it can start signalling pain even after tissues have healed or in situations that wouldn’t normally cause discomfort. This doesn’t make the pain any less real. It simply means the system is responding to more triggers than necessary.
Exercise physiologists help people understand and work with this sensitive system, rather than against it. Through education, gentle movement, breathing practices and pacing strategies, they aim to gradually reset the ‘sensitivity dial’.
Safe, progressive exercise is a key part of this process. Movement tells the body and nervous system that activity is safe, building trust in your own physical capacity again.
By improving strength, mobility and endurance, you reduce the need for the alarm to sound in the first place.
A holistic approach also considers the many factors that influence pain: nutrition, stress management, sleep quality and meaningful daily activities.
When these areas are supported alongside movement, the alarm system becomes less jumpy and more accurate at signalling true threats.
Pain relief doesn’t have to mean pain-free. For many, the goal is to regain function, confidence and enjoyment in life, even if some discomfort remains. You don’t have to push through pain recklessly, but avoiding movement altogether can keep the alarm system hypersensitive.
Learn how your body’s alarm system works and make small, consistent changes to turn down the volume, move with more confidence, and live well without letting pain control the whole story.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
