Disclaimer:
Psychosomatic pain is often misdiagnosed as a physical issue. In this case study, we highlight a similar instance successfully managed by our expert team at I-Span. Founders Prasanna Gopala and Shubha Chittaranjan initiated this effort to inspire and encourage others facing similar challenges to take the first step toward healing. At I-Span, we provide holistic support for psychosomatic pain, prioritizing your privacy by using fictional names in all case studies. Our goal is to maintain confidentiality while motivating others to seek the care they need for a healthier, more fulfilling life. Therefore, this case study solely aims to raise awareness about psychosomatic pain and encourage you to seek help.
Case Study:
Living in constant pain can make life miserable for almost anyone. Sometimes, our aches and pains may seem unusual, sudden, and unexplained. What, then, causes these pains? Medical screenings might not reveal any organic cause or underlying physical condition, yet you may still experience pain all the time. Have you ever considered that this pain might originate in your mind? Yes, it’s possible. Unresolved stress and tension in the mind can manifest in the body through various psychosomatic symptoms (pain that comes from the mind, affecting your body), such as stress-induced pains (pain that is triggered by stress), rapid heartbeat or palpitations, nausea, and more. Resolving inner turmoil can lead to a sense of calm both within and in your physical world. This was the case for Clara. Her life came to a standstill due to the intense shoulder pain she had been suffering from. In this case study, we will uncover the truth behind Clara’s shoulder pain. Read on to learn more.
Background
Clara had been suffering from intense shoulder pain and discomfort. Due to the chronic pain, she struggled to move her arm properly and faced numerous challenges in her daily life. The pain made her feel morose, vulnerable, and constantly sad. Despite undergoing several advanced medical checkups, the cause of her excruciating shoulder pain remained undetected. In search of temporary relief, Clara turned to dry needling therapy and eventually became dependent on it. She claimed that the needle pricks provided some relief from her chronic pain. However, after coming to I-Span, Clara’s life changed forever. With our support, she began her journey towards a pain-free, calm, and composed life.
The Real Problem
After speaking with Clara, experts at I-Span understood that her issue was more mental than physical. She had experienced a period of psychological distress (disturbed emotions) and emotional turmoil in her life, which eventually led to psychosomatic manifestations in the form of shoulder pain that caused significant disruption. The mind-body connection (effect of mind on the body) in Clara’s case was further evident in her peculiar dependency on physio modalities (support of physiotherapy treatment methods) like dry needling. Although there was no physiological need for it, Clara relied heavily on dry needling because she associated the treatment with temporary relief from her emotional pain, rather than addressing the underlying psychological causes. The more Clara focused on her shoulder pain, the more her levels of depression and anxiety increased, which in turn heightened her physical discomfort.
First Step Taken By I-Span: Parental Counselling
Psychosomatic pain is often misunderstood, as was the case with Clara. Her family couldn’t grasp that her shoulder pain stemmed from her depressive state of mind, not a physical issue. Through our counselling sessions, we explained the true cause of Clara’s pain and introduced them to the healing potential of our Mind-Body therapy for managing psychosomatic conditions. Our parental counselling helped her parents understand the root of Clara’s issue and equipped them with better strategies for handling her situation.
I-Span’s Holistic Treatment Approach
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are on the rise globally. In India too, mental health issues are still emerging as a significant area of focus, with over 70 million people experiencing varying degrees of mental health disorders, many of which manifest physically. Psychosomatic disorders like Clara’s are often misinterpreted as purely physical diseases, resulting in delayed or inappropriate treatment.
At I-Span, after diagnosing Clara, we implemented a comprehensive treatment strategy that addressed both the physical and emotional aspects of her pain. Our multidisciplinary approach combined expert counselling, targeted physiotherapy, and personalized wellness plans to treat both her mind and body. Here’s a breakdown of our approach:
Psychological Treatment
We employed several psychological therapies, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): We used CBT to address thought patterns associated with Clara's pain and depression. The focus was on breaking the pain-catastrophizing cycle and helping her understand the connection between her mental state and physical symptoms.
Mindfulness Meditation & Progressive Muscle Relaxation: These techniques helped Clara manage tension-related pain (pain that happens due to tension) by reducing stress and calming her mind, allowing her to better control the physical sensations linked to her emotional distress.
Talk Therapy: Through talk therapy, we explored the emotional roots of her physical discomfort. Our counselors engaged with Clara, asking her questions about her life, which allowed her to open up and express her emotional distress. This emotional release was an essential part of her healing process.
Physical Treatment
Alongside psychological support, we provided gentle and necessary physical therapy, complementing her holistic healing journey. Our physiotherapists introduced pacing and graded exercises to gradually improve Clara’s physical strength without increasing pain or reinforcing her reliance on treatments like dry needling.
Alternative Therapies
We also incorporated alternative pain relief therapies for Clara, including Biofeedback, Guided Imagery, & Deep Breathing Exercises. These techniques were designed to help Clara relax deeply. They also helped her manage her pain perception and emotional triggers, reducing her dependency on dry needling for relief.
Practical Tips & Advice
Experts at I-Span offered Clara practical advice on managing her mood and emotional well-being through lifestyle changes. This included improving sleep hygiene, engaging in light physical activity, and maintaining a balanced diet. We also encouraged her to build a strong social support system to better manage her emotional distress.
The Outcome
By addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of Clara’s condition, we not only helped her reduce her shoulder pain but also enabled her to confront and alleviate the underlying depression driving her psychosomatic symptoms (symptoms caused by disturbed thoughts, stress and tension). Today, Clara is living a pain-free, healthy, and happy life. She has become a calm and composed individual with improved coping skills for any kind of pain, whether emotional or physical. If you’re someone experiencing unexplained aches and pains, come to I-Span and embark on a journey through your mind—out of pain and into healing!
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