Dealing with the Pain of Injury - Physically & Spiritually

by Janice Burdon

December 2004

Do we fight through the pain or surrender to it? 

This past summer I suffered an injury.  It came on gradually and as the days wore on, it became worse.  Visiting my doctor was the first step.  I imagined he would probably tell me to rest, apply ice and take it easy. I was in disbelief, however, when he diagnosed me with bursitis of the hip and referred me to the physiotherapist.  How could this happen to me?  I've always trained hard - power walking, biking, swimming, hiking, lifting weights - and never before did 'doing the things I loved' injure me.  Being a very strong-willed and determined person, I was not about to let any injury stop me, nor was I going on any anti-inflammatory drugs!  With my mind made up, I continued exercising.  One day while power walking, the pain came on so suddenly and severely I could hardly make it home.  Tearfully, I admitted to my husband and myself that I needed help.  With the help of the physiotherapist, proper orthotics and, yes, anti-inflammatory drugs, I was back to myself within a month.

The hardest aspect of this whole ordeal was not so much the physical pain but the feelings of failure and weakness.  I felt as though I had failed and that I wasn't strong enough, until I realized that true strength is not in fighting the pain but in surrendering to it.  It takes a strong person to realize their limitations and accept defeat.

Isn't it the same in our spiritual lives?  We cry out to God from our pain and beg Him to heal us spiritually or emotionally, yet we hang on to the same hurtful behaviors that gave us that pain in the first place.  Why don't we learn to just surrender all our weaknesses and come broken before the cross, admitting we can't heal ourselves?  Just as we need doctors to help us heal physically, we also need to admit there is a greater power that can heal us spiritually.  Oftentimes though, our pride gets in the way.  Pride says, "No, I can do it myself, I know what's best for me."  There is weakness in pride but a great strength comes from humble submission.  Humility says, "God, I can't do this myself, HELP!"  We have to reach a place of total helplessness before we can admit we need help.  The pain has to surface in order for it to be dealt with.  God not only wants to heal us physically but spiritually so we can be more effective instruments for Him to use. 

Here are some practical tips when you first experience physical injury:

1.  When you feel pain - STOP, and acknowledge it.  As women, we tend to keep going and going (we are built that way!)  Take a break and listen to your body.

2.  Seek help - from your doctor, plus a physiotherapist or chiropractor.

3.  Trust your doctor to care for you.  If you feel, after three weeks, nothing is progressing, seek a second opinion.

4.  Research your own injury.  Knowledge is power.  Not only did I have bursitis of the hip but my Ilitobial band and Piriformis muscles were inflamed which put pressure on my cyatic nerve.  Ouch!  That is why I hurt so much.  Research, research, research.

5.  Tell your doctor what new activities you have been doing over the past 3 months.  It's important so that when and if you restart them, you will gear them to your abilities or avoid them altogether.

6.  Allow your emotions to surface - the physical and emotional are linked.  Don't be shy to express your emotional pain to your doctor. Those feelings are normal and you are worth being heard.

7.  Allow time for healing.  Even though you may feel better, don't go full force into your prior activities, otherwise you may find yourself back to step one and in more serious trouble.  Beginning gradually gives your body the chance to catch up.  In other words, don't be a hero!

Next time:  Cardio, strength and stretch - finding the balance

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Janice Burdon is a Canfit Pro Certified Fitness Specialist, leading weekly fitness classes in Hudson, Quebec.  Her approach to fitness is a holistic one, which includes the mind, body and soul.