Inflammation Part Two: How to Break the Vicious Cycle of Chronic Inflammation
In our article, Inflammation Part One: Aid and Control Early Inflammation, we discussed the benefits of early inflammation and the importance of controlling it. When inflammation of the musculoskeletal system is unchecked and persists longer than 2 weeks, a vicious cycle ensues. See photo above.
Inflammation causes pain which leads to inhibition and loss of function which leads to more injury, and that feeds right back into inflammation and pain. It becomes a never-ending loop. To break this cycle, Coach Amy uses a combination of neurological dry needling, Active Release Technique, and gentle mobility exercises.
It is not enough to simply stop the cycle. The cause of the problem is often unclear. Many overuse injuries are complex. Even acute ones, like a sprained ankle, can be the result of a dysfunctional gait or biomechanics. Coach Amy thoroughly evaluates patients to determine the root cause of the injury.
It’s a lot like putting together a puzzle that has pieces missing.
Coach Amy works one-on-one with patients throughout the entire rehabilitation process.
“I continually assess at each visit because, more often than not, each issue has many layers. For the best and quickest outcome, we must adapt the treatment approach as we go.”
Remember, as we discussed in Inflammation Part One: Aid and Control Early Inflammation, inflammation gets a bad rap: controlled inflammation actually benefits recovery. But untreated, inflammation can begin a nasty, never-ending loop of chronic pain. When possible, seek treatment for pain and injuries early to benefit from the positive impacts of inflammation without entering the chronic pain cycle.