It's Not Magic (But It Feels Like It)

When Pain Isn’t Just Mechanical — And Why That Matters

One of my clients recently shared a story that really stuck with me. She has a grumpy shoulder with some mechanical drivers — movement patterns, load, tissue irritation — the usual things I look at in treatment.

But like all of us, her body doesn’t exist in isolation (it's all in the same container). How we think, how we feel, stress, sleep, nutrition — all of it lives in the same system. She also had a clear mechanical central nervous system driver. It wasn't "all in her head" and it wasn't all about anxiety (we can talk about that one another time, because it's NEVER all about anxiety.)

After a particularly stressful weekend, her shoulder flared badly. Movement was sore and limited, and it felt like one of those setbacks we all get from time to time. On a bit of a whim, she decided to try a technique we’d previously discussed — something that takes about a minute and that I normally only use with specific clients after assessment.

Within that minute, her movement returned and the shoulder settled dramatically.

Now, I’d love to be able to explain that purely in mechanical terms, because we like neat explanations. We like to think of our bodies as machines with parts that either work or don’t. And yes — muscles, joints, tendons, and loading absolutely matter. Pain is real and tissues matter.

But there are also many other inputs affecting how our body feels and moves. Stress, sleep, emotions, and how safe or threatened our nervous system feels all influence pain and movement. None of this means pain is “in your head.” It means the whole person matters, not just one sore joint.

Sometimes the thing that changes pain isn’t just changing tissue — it’s changing how the whole system is responding.

This CNS reset changes the mechanics of the central nervous system - which includes the brain and spinal cord, and associated ligaments and support structures. It's far from "all in your head" but it's in your cranium and your spinal column and can be outrageously good to improve symptoms.

https://vimeo.com/1162321153

A Gentle Heads Up Before Trying Anything New

The technique my client used is something I normally assess and prescribe individually. Some people find it really helpful. Others notice no change at all.

Occasionally, something can make people feel a bit off, which is why I usually guide it in clinic first.

If you try something new, please take care.

Check how you feel before and after so you actually know whether it helps.

For example, if your neck is stiff, turn it side to side first, try the technique, and then check again. The same applies for shoulders, hips, knees, or backs that feel cranky.

There’s no point doing something if it doesn’t make you feel better.

The aim is always to help you move and feel better, not just to do exercises for the sake of it.

https://vimeo.com/1162408403

Central Nervous System Reset — Instructions

Before starting, check the movement or area that feels stiff or sore so you know what you’re working with. Turn your neck, lift your arm, or test whatever movement feels restricted. You’ll check this again afterwards to see whether the exercise actually helps.

This exercise works best lying down because it’s the most relaxing position for your nervous system, but you can also do it sitting if needed. Keep your head still, with your nose pointing straight ahead the whole time.

Without moving your head, move your eyes to look off to one side. It helps to pick something specific to look at rather than just trying to push your eyes across. Hold your gaze there for about 30 seconds (and up to a minute), keeping your breathing relaxed.

Take a short break, then repeat on the other side, again holding for around 30 seconds.

After both sides, recheck the movement you tested at the beginning. If things feel easier or more comfortable, you know this is something useful for you. If nothing changes, it may not be the right tool at that time.

You can do this exercise at least once per day, and if it helps, you can repeat the pattern of test → exercise → retest several times during the day. Stop once you notice you’re no longer getting improvement — that’s usually the point of diminishing returns.

Goal: Help settle the nervous system so movement becomes easier and areas that feel irritated can calm down.

https://vimeo.com/1046263977

Take-Home Message

Your body isn’t just mechanical. It’s one integrated system. Tissues, thoughts, stress, sleep, movement, and recovery all interact.

So when something flares, sometimes the solution isn’t just pushing harder on exercises or trying to fix one spot. Sometimes it’s about calming the system, moving gently, improving sleep, or giving your nervous system a chance to feel safe again.

And sometimes, a small reset can make a surprisingly big difference.

As always, look after yourself, be curious about what helps, and remember — progress often comes from small, consistent changes rather than heroic efforts.

Tried it? Let me know via email - storm@thatfarmingphysio.com

If you want to work with me and find out what treatment changes you the most - you can go to this link and make a booking. I can see you online or in person.