We understand Complex Pain. When movement causes pain, how are you meant to exercise?

Pain can be a puzzling and frustrating experience, especially when it feels like there’s no clear answer to what’s causing it. Common pain can be identified as discomfort that stems from an identifiable source like an injury or strain.

But for others, pain can seem far more complicated. This is often referred to as complex pain, and a large percentage of our members that see us for 1:1 care or in Clinical classes are going through a journey of learning to understand their pain, in order to find long lasting solutions.

What Is Complex Pain?

Complex pain is often defined as pain that doesn’t have a clear biological cause and normally the source is multifactorial —meaning complex pain can’t be explained by an X-ray, MRI, or other imaging tests. This doesn’t make the pain any less real, but it does make it harder to diagnose and treat using traditional medical approaches.

In many cases, complex pain isn’t caused by structural damage but by mechanical issues in the body. This means:

• Joints may not be moving as they should.

• Certain areas may be taking on extra load to compensate for restricted or “stuck” joints.

• These compensations can lead to intolerance, discomfort, and persistent pain over time.

Examples of complex pain we treat:

• Sacroiliac Joint Pain (SIJ Pain)

• Chronic Lower Back Pain (this always has multiple factors that need to be considered. not just a diagnosis such a ‘disc generation’.

• Persistent Neck Pain

• Nerve Pain

• Labral Tears (primarily hip)

• Pelvic Girdle Pain

• TMJ Dysfunction

• Chronic Headaches

The Role of Generalised Hypermobility in Complex Pain

For some individuals, underlying generalised hypermobility can contribute to complex pain. Hypermobility occurs when joints have a greater-than-normal range of motion, often due to differences in connective tissue. While this flexibility might seem advantageous, it can create unique challenges:

• Joint Instability: Excessive mobility can make it harder for joints to stay stable, leading to overuse of muscles, tendons, and ligaments for support.

• Increased Compensations: When joints lack control, other areas of the body often step in to compensate, which can result in mechanical overload and discomfort.

• Issues with Load Management: Hypermobility can make it difficult to tolerate higher loads, such as during weight-bearing activities or repetitive movements, increasing the risk of pain and fatigue.

Hypermobility is also linked with heightened sensitivity in the nervous system, meaning that pain signals can feel amplified, even in the absence of structural damage.

In our work, we carefully assess the role hypermobility plays in each client’s pain presentation. Our tailored approach focuses on:

• Improving joint control through targeted strength and stability exercises.

• Reducing compensatory patterns by enhancing movement efficiency.

• Building resilience so your body can better tolerate load and daily demands.

Why Movement Is Key

When it comes to complex pain, movement is often the missing piece. While scans and medical imaging are useful for diagnosing injuries like fractures or torn ligaments, they don’t provide much insight into how your body is functioning.

By working with trained professionals, we can identify:

• Where movement is restricted: Which joints aren’t moving as they should?

• How compensations are impacting your body: Are other areas overworking to “pick up the slack”?

• What’s contributing to your pain: Is extra load being placed on areas that aren’t equipped to handle it?

Through targeted movement and education, we can help restore better mechanics, reduce compensations, and ultimately alleviate pain.

The Problem with Over-Reliance on Scans

It’s natural to want answers when you’re in pain, and many people turn to imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs for clarity. However, research shows that these tools are often not helpful for identifying or solving complex pain.

Studies have found:

• Many people with no pain at all have “abnormal” findings on scans, such as disc bulges or joint degeneration.

• Conversely, scans often fail to explain pain in individuals with complex or persistent discomfort.

• Relying on imaging can lead to unnecessary worry and even delays in finding effective solutions.

Instead of focusing on what a scan shows, we focus on how your body is moving and what can be done to improve it. This approach is much more effective for addressing the root causes of complex pain and providing lasting relief.

Empowering You Through Education and Movement

At our clinic, we believe in empowering our members with knowledge and tools to take control of their pain. Whether you’re attending Clinical Pilates or working 1:1 with us, we’ll guide you through:

1. Understanding your pain: What’s causing it, and what factors might be contributing?

2. Targeted movement plans: Exercises tailored to your needs to restore mobility and reduce compensations.

3. Ongoing support: Helping you build strength and resilience to prevent pain from returning.

Our Approach to Helping People with Complex Pain

At the core of our approach is a deep understanding of biomechanics and the compensation strategies that individuals develop when dealing with pain. We recognize that most people with complex pain have:

• Limited movement options to perform tasks, often leading to over-reliance on certain joints or muscles.

• Poor movement patterns that can perpetuate discomfort or dysfunction.

Key Elements of Our Approach

1. Comprehensive Assessment

   • We begin by identifying joints with restrictions (limited mobility) and instabilities (lack of control or excessive movement).

   • This helps us map out the underlying contributors to inefficient or painful movement patterns.

2. Education

   • We believe that understanding your body is the first step toward improvement.

   • Our team provides clear, accessible explanations about how alignment and movement mechanics impact pain and function.

   • Clients learn the "why" behind their pain and what steps are needed to regain control.

3. Exercise Prescription

   • We design individualized exercise programs aimed at:

     • Restoring joint alignment.

     • Improving control in challenging positions.

     • Expanding movement options to perform tasks more efficiently and without compensation.

   • Exercises are progressive, tailored to each person’s needs, and focused on sustainable improvement.

4. Holistic Movement Retraining

   • Beyond isolated exercises, we incorporate whole-body strategies to enhance coordination and stability during functional tasks.

   • This ensures that changes in movement patterns translate to everyday life.

You Don’t Have to Live with Complex Pain

Pain—especially complex pain—can feel overwhelming, but there is hope. With the right approach, we can help you move better, feel stronger, and regain confidence in your body.

If you’re ready to take the next step in understanding and addressing your pain, we’d love to work with you. Together, we can create a plan to help you move through pain and into a life that feels good.

Reach out today to learn more about how our movement-focused approach can help.

Let me know if you'd like to add real-life examples or further details about hypermobility and its management!