Chronic pain
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is ongoing pain that persists for more than three to six months and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Unlike acute pain, which typically resolves as an injury heals, chronic pain may not have a clear cause or may continue after the original injury or condition has resolved. Common examples include back pain, joint pain, muscle aches, and recurring headaches. Chronic pain can also be associated with heightened sensitivity in the nervous system, making everyday activities more difficult.
Common symptoms
- Pain lasting longer than 3–6 months
- Increased sensitivity to cold, light or sound
- Restricted movement or function
- Fatigue
- Stiffness in joints and muscles
- Emotional and social impacts
- Reduced quality of life
- Difficulty participating in work, hobbies or relationships
How chronic pain develops
Chronic pain often affects more than just the body — it can impact emotional wellbeing and daily activities. Over time, ongoing discomfort can create a cycle of pain, stress, and reduced mobility. This may lead to decreased blood flow, persistent low-grade inflammation, and increased sensitivity in the nervous system, which can maintain or worsen the pain. Without early and effective management, chronic pain can limit function and reduce overall health and wellbeing.
Possible contributing factors
Chronic pain often arises from a combination of factors, including impaired blood circulation, low-grade inflammation, and changes in the nervous system. Reduced blood flow can cause muscles and joints to receive less oxygen and fewer nutrients, contributing to tissue fatigue and pain. At the same time, waste products are cleared away less efficiently, which can cause local irritation of nerve endings.
In addition, low-grade (chronic) inflammation often plays a role. This can lead to swelling, changes in connective tissue (such as adhesions or fibrosis), and reduced mobility of the tissue layers. As a result, both blood and lymphatic flow can become further obstructed, slowing recovery and perpetuating pain.
Another important factor in many forms of chronic pain is central sensitization. In this condition, the nervous system becomes hypersensitive, amplifying pain signals sent to the brain, even when little or no local tissue damage remains. This mechanism plays a major role in conditions such as fibromyalgia and persistent pain after an injury.
When these processes persist over time and are not addressed, they can lower the body’s overall resilience and contribute to an imbalance in the immune system. This can lead to a vicious cycle of pain, fatigue, and further inflammatory responses.
How Quadrivas Therapy may assist
Quadrivas Therapy is a targeted, hands-on approach that uses specific manual techniques to help improve circulation, release tissue restrictions, and support the body’s natural healing processes. By enhancing blood flow and lymphatic drainage, the therapy may help reduce inflammation, relieve tension, and promote tissue repair. This can support mobility, reduce pain, and help prevent further tissue changes.
Potential benefits of Quadrivas Therapy for chronic pain
- Improved blood flow for better oxygen and nutrient supply
- Reduction of excess or restrictive connective tissue to restore mobility
- Decrease in inflammation and swelling
- Pain relief through addressing contributing factors
- Greater freedom of movement and function
- Support in breaking the cycle of pain and restriction
- Early intervention to help prevent ongoing tissue changes
- Improved overall quality of life through better comfort and movement
