3 Steps To Recovery

Written By Drew Coverdale

Shapes And Forms

Recovering from persistent or chronic pain can come in many shapes and forms. For example, in the monologue in this blog post, one patient describes how her improvement came from three distinct steps.

First, before we come to those steps, let us see how it differs from other recoveries.

Some may read a book and have that ‘aha’ moment that means everything experienced so far, which created that pain suddenly makes sense. 

A Momentary Epiphany

Sometimes a momentary epiphany can create the flipping of fear to safety in a heartbeat; It can change the perspective from painful to pain-free. These are amazing to hear about but can also be frustrating for those who don’t get the same flip switch magic.

For others, there may be an explanation. Sometimes from me and sometimes from another person. That can be an epiphany and bring transformational change.

These miracle changes seem fantastic because they appear outside of our typical beliefs. They consist of ideas that pain is complicated and comes with a fight or struggle. 

Needing Someone Else

The idea that recovery can only occur through the efforts of another is common. Responsibility passes to a medical practitioner who is more qualified and has more authority to devise a cunning treatment plan.
But, the trouble with that thought process is that is it logically flawed when you truly understand the nature of pain because recovery from it is an inside job.

It starts with developing meaning and understanding of the origin of all pain and then transposing that template onto why your or your patient's pain has become chronic.

Follow Logic

Following the logic to its conclusion brings us to the basis of pain being fear. And when all physical elements were investigated, treated, tested, pulled and pushed with no improvement, it is no wonder that they all failed.
Because until the emotion behind pain is exposed and faced, there inevitably will be no change.

So yes, it is fantastic if fear switches in a moment, but it is usually a process with a different timestamp for all of us, just like any other fear.

Instinctual Reactions

But in the face of any fear, it is only changed by altering our instinctual reactions to it. Thes are to fight it, run away from it, freeze in its presence or fawn after we’ve used those reactions to exhaustion.

Showing these pains to others who also use the same instinctual reactions means that two people, one the patient and the other being the therapist, are left scratching their heads about this pain which doesn't go,
The journey must be bespoke and led by the individual in pain.

It's nice if one book or chat reframes the fearful cues in their life to fearless ones, but it usually takes time to explore the signals of persistent pain, which are mostly invisible.

A Helpful Guide

Having someone as a guide to coach, educate, prompt, and support is an excellent way to see recovery. There is a moment when that help should cease a little, and this acceptance of the individual to take responsibility for their pain and recovery from it is the tipping point where natural healing occurs.

The supporting hand holding the bike as you start to pedal when learning how to ride that bike has to let go for the joy of cycling to occur. That hand can be nearby to help you if you wobble or even help you up should you fall. The voice behind the hand can encourage you as you disappear into the distance. 

There will be a point where that person, now riding the bike alone, looks over their shoulder with gratitude and a smile for the assistance they've received and then turns back to focus on the road ahead.

It doesn't matter how you eventually get to focusing gently on your path in life. Just know it is possible to get there.

One Persons’ Recovery

I recently read a short recovery monologue of a patient who became a therapist in this field. She broke her recovery into three steps. Not everyone follows the same route, but this is how it worked out for her, and she describes it in the passage below.

My pain,  fatigue and IBS resolved three years ago. I now work with Dr Schubiner and Hal Greenham in training practitioners and supporting clients. I'm often asked about my journey. So here are my tips from my trip. I found knowledge to be key number 1.

I had neural circuit issues, meaning my brain sends unneeded symptoms to my body. To undo or retrain those neural circuits, you can use various tools like somatic tracking, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), safety messages, mediations etc. 

So basically, find a way to turn off the neural circuits or make them dormant. The following key was learning what emotional situations triggered those neural circuits to send symptoms.  It was people-pleasing traits, being a good girl, overachieving, perfectionist, and lacking self-care.

Therapy to understand why I do these things helped me put things in place to change them. The characteristics needed to change. I'd often cry instead of displaying anger. I suppressed anger and that equalled pain. 

The other thing I've learned is this is a lifelong journey. This means I can't forget what I've learned or go back to old habits. But once you understand that, they are easily turned off again. So I hope that helps someone!

Questions For You


So what is the journey that awaits you?


Who do you need to help you start, or who do you need to support you?


Do you think you can do this alone, or do you want someone to check in as you do that?


What book do you feel you should read?


Where could you get that help?


What do you need to include in your recovery?


What action do you see as your next steps?


What could be the first thing that you do today in that direction?

These questions and more are reference points to consider when you think about your recovery from pain.
It has to be individual to you, but it cannot consist of the behaviours you have used so far to overcome the pain.
If it remains, then using them again is futile.

If you can’t see what you're doing and feel fearful or frustrated with that, then look for help. Commit to that and see it through.

Make a Commitment

But before you take any step, make the most significant commitment to yourself to accept that next step for you and yourself alone. 

You deserve it, you don’t need to justify it to anyone, and you deserve the life that awaits you beyond your pain. 

What’s next?
Take Your First Step to Recovery.

Drew Coverdale
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Pain From A ‘Nurse’s Back’

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A Helpful Monologue