Living with chronic pain can feel like a relentless battle. For over a decade, I’ve struggled with the aftermath of an ACL injury sustained at work, which has profoundly impacted my daily life. I have permanent work restriction, and I was told it will never get better. To expect surgery, and a knee replacement by the time I am 50 years old, so I began to seek alternative advice because the therapist and caseworkers at WCB had given up on me, helping my recovery, and participating helping me get better. My journey through pain management, recovery, and eventual improvement is a testament to the power of combining physiotherapy, personal training, and psychological support @ 4 Points Heath And Wellness after October of 2023. In this blog, I’ll share how my experiences with 4 Points Health and Wellness transformed my approach to dealing with chronic pain and how their specialized programs helped me regain control over my body and life.
Table of Contents
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a persistent discomfort that continues long after the initial injury or illness has healed. It affects millions of people worldwide and can be debilitating. For me, chronic pain began with an ACL injury at oilfield work in April of 2015 and has evolved into a more complex issue involving knee pain, back pain, and overall mobility problems. Started with an ACL tear, which has grown into a bonechip, 2 meniscus disk tears(full flap and medial), osteoarthritis of the joint, and 2 surgeries for pain/debrinement.
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months, extending beyond the usual course of an acute injury or illness. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal from the body, chronic pain persists without an obvious cause and can significantly impact daily functioning. This is what was happening and every day it go a little bit worse. The more stagnant my with my body training routine, the less I was able to do. This was what started to make my body waste away.
What to Do When Chronic Pain Becomes Too Much?
When chronic pain becomes overwhelming, it’s crucial to seek comprehensive care and not sit on your behind complaining about your pain. This involves a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and psychological support. For me, the journey involved engaging with various specialists to address not only the physical aspects but also the emotional toll of chronic pain.
The Impact of My ACL Injury
In 2015, I suffered an ACL injury at work that required multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Despite undergoing physiotherapy with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB), I found the support to be minimal and often inadequate. The injury left me with significant muscle atrophy in my right quad, leading to weakened mobility and persistent pain. The Millard Center in Edmonton was big, and had all the equipment, but this organization is more of an insurance business and does not have the proper mindset from its therapists and policy makers to be considered helpful to an injured recovering worker.
How I Initially Dealt with My Injury
Initially, my approach to recovery was limited to conventional physiotherapy exercises and personal training routines. My mental state was about healing, but it didn't know how to manage the stress and planning required for injury recovery. However, after several years of minimal progress, I realized that a more comprehensive approach was needed to address the underlying issues and support my overall well-being. Everything I tried was short-term and never addresses the full problems. I was weak from my injury. And I needed to do a comprehensive plan to get my ability and mobility back.
Navigating the Challenges of Chronic Pain
Dealing with chronic pain requires more than just physical treatment. It involves understanding the condition, adopting a proactive approach, and integrating various therapies to address different aspects of pain.
How to Deal with Chronic Pain?
Effective management of chronic pain involves a multifaceted strategy:
Medical Intervention: Consult with healthcare professionals for appropriate treatments and therapies.
Physical Activity: Engage in tailored exercise programs to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
Psychological Support: Address the emotional and mental health aspects of chronic pain.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Make necessary changes to daily routines to minimize pain and improve quality of life. Not to make life easier with less action.
How Personal Training Helped Me
Personal training played a pivotal role in my recovery journey. Working with experienced trainers helped me rebuild muscle strength, improve balance, and enhance mobility. Through customized personal training programs, I was able to address specific weaknesses and make significant strides in my physical health. My Hips, my back, my core, and my mind all needed work.
What Should I Be Doing to Get Personal Training?
When seeking personal training, it’s essential to:
Identify Goals: Clearly define your fitness and recovery goals.
Choose a Qualified Trainer: Work with trainers who have experience in dealing with injuries and chronic pain.
Commit to the Program: Be consistent and dedicated to the training regimen.
The Role of Physiotherapy in My Recovery
Physiotherapy was instrumental in addressing the functional aspects of my injury. The targeted exercises and treatments provided by physiotherapists helped improve my range of motion, reduce pain, and support overall recovery.
What Should I Be Asking to Get Physiotherapy?
When seeking physiotherapy, consider asking:
What is the Treatment Plan? Understand the specifics of the proposed treatment plan.
How Will It Address My Injury? Ensure the plan is tailored to your specific needs.
What Are the Expected Outcomes? Discuss the expected results and timelines for recovery.
Psychological Support: A Crucial Component
Chronic pain can take a significant emotional toll. Psychological therapy is vital in managing the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany chronic pain.
How Do I Get the Psychological Therapy I Need?
To access psychological therapy:
Seek Referrals: Ask your the 4 Points Psychologist for recommendations.
Find a Specialist: Pick on of the 4 Points therapists with experience in chronic pain management.
Commit to Therapy: Regularly attend sessions and actively participate in the therapeutic process.
The 4 Points Health and Wellness Approach
4 Points Health and Wellness offers a holistic approach to managing chronic pain, combining physiotherapy, personal training, and psychological support. Their comprehensive programs are designed to address various aspects of pain and recovery.
Services Offered at 4 Points Health and Wellness
Personal Training: Tailored fitness programs to rebuild strength and improve mobility.
Physiotherapy: Targeted treatments to enhance physical function and reduce pain.
Psychological Therapy: Support for managing the emotional aspects of chronic pain.
Additional Bonus Modalities at 4 Points:
Duration: 120 minutes Price: $99.00 Offered by: Luoluo (Laurel) Liu
Experience the rejuvenating effects of Gua Sha with our anti-aging facial workshop. This technique stimulates circulation, reduces puffiness, and promotes a youthful glow.
Duration: 15 minutes Price: $65.00 Offered by: Matt Mohler, Vlada Pedashenko, Tricia Shumate, and Dr. Savannah Slater
Utilize shockwave therapy to target pain and accelerate healing. Ideal for musculoskeletal issues and chronic pain relief.
Duration: 90 minutes Price: $20.00 Offered by: Dorothy Robinson
Unwind and rejuvenate with gentle Hatha yoga. Perfect for enhancing flexibility and reducing stress in a relaxing environment.
Duration: 50 minutes Price: $20.00 Offered by: Taurean Wellman
Boost your strength and endurance with our Saturday Lunchtime 4 Points Stronger program, designed to fit into your weekend schedule.
Duration: 50 minutes Price: $20.00 Offered by: Naissa Preston
Combine core strengthening with flexibility in our Pilates Plus+ class, perfect for improving posture and overall body conditioning.
Duration: 50 minutes Price: $20.00Offered by: Taurean Wellman
Commit to fitness with our 6 Week Bootcamp, a high-intensity program designed to push your limits and achieve your fitness goals.
My Journey with 4 Points Health and Wellness
After my initial struggles with traditional treatments, I found a new path with 4 Points Health and Wellness. Through their Saturday Lunchtime 4 Points Stronger Program and personalized training sessions with experts like Dr. Brett Klesko, Alyssa Schmidt, and Taurean Wellman, I experienced remarkable improvements.
How 4 Points Helped Me
Balance and Mobility: Enhanced through tailored training and expert guidance.
Pain Management: Significant reduction in back pain linked to my knee injury.
Overall Recovery: Improved strength and functionality with specialized programs.
Join the 4 Points Stronger Program
If you’re dealing with chronic pain or recovering from an injury, consider joining the Saturday Lunchtime 4 Points Stronger Program. Held every Saturday at 12 pm, this program offers a supportive environment to improve your physical health and overall well-being.
Special Offer for Readers
For those who have read this blog and are ready to tackle their chronic pain head-on, 4 Points Health and Wellness is offering a special discount.
Mention this blog post when you call-in to receive $200 OFF your 10-pack Personal Training/Psychology/Physiotherapy sessions. This offer is a great opportunity to kickstart your recovery journey and experience the benefits of their holistic approach.
Conclusion
Living with chronic pain can be challenging, but with the right support and resources, you can achieve significant improvements in your health and quality of life. My experience with 4 Points Health and Wellness has been transformative, and I encourage anyone struggling with chronic pain to explore their programs. Don’t wait for answers to come to you—take proactive steps towards healing and reclaim your life. The basics to book:
Price: $125.00 Offered by: Dr. Brett Klesko and Dr. Savannah Slater
Begin your chiropractic care with a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Price: $60.00 Offered by: Dr. Ashley Dueck, Dr. Brett Klesko, and Dr. Savannah Slater Receive targeted chiropractic adjustments to align your spine and improve overall health and function.
Duration: 30 minutes Price: $125.00 Offered by: Dr. Savannah Slater
Benefit from the combined effects of shockwave therapy and chiropractic adjustments for a comprehensive approach to pain relief.
Duration: 60 minutes Price: $125.00 Offered by: Matt Mohler and Tricia Shumate
Start your physiotherapy journey with a detailed assessment to identify and address your movement and pain issues.
Duration: 30 minutes Price: $90.00Offered by: Matt Mohler and Tricia Shumate
Continue your recovery with personalized physiotherapy follow-up sessions focused on your specific rehabilitation needs.
Duration: 30 minutes Price: $110.00 Offered by: Matt Mohler and Tricia Shumate
Combine physiotherapy follow-up with shockwave therapy for enhanced healing and recovery.
Duration: 50 minutes Price: $200.00 Offered by: Erica Attia and Mr. Eric Krepstekies
Begin your psychological therapy with an initial session designed to address your mental health needs and create a personalized treatment plan.
Duration: 50 minutes Price: $200.00 Offered by: Erica Attia and Mr. Eric Krepstekies
Continue your therapy journey with follow-up sessions to further explore and address your psychological well-being.
Duration: 50 minutes Price: $200.00 Offered by: Erica Attia and Mr. Eric Krepstekies
Engage in couples therapy with an initial session aimed at improving relationship dynamics and communication.
Reach out to 4 Points Health and Wellness today, mention this blog, and take advantage of the special discount. Your journey to recovery and better health starts now.
Chronic pain is a battle that can seem impossible to win. For years, I struggled with debilitating knee pain, which led to back problems and a constant sense of being crippled by my injury. After suffering from an ACL injury at work and receiving only minimal rehabilitation through standard physiotherapy, I felt trapped in a cycle of pain that seemed unending. That was until I found 4 Points Health and Wellness.
From the moment I walked through the doors at 4 Points, I knew I was in the right place. Their holistic approach to healing is what set them apart. They didn’t just treat my knee, they looked at how my body worked as a whole and targeted my weaknesses…