Every now and then I like to stop to appreciate just how miraculous we are. I think it's fair to say that a lot of the people i'm fortunate enough to talk to are suffering from some form of frustration - Why am I not better? What went wrong? How did I end up like this? Is this all part of 'ageing'? and so on...
Managing pain or an injury can be extremely frustrating, I've had my fair share in the past; I know what it feels like. But let's take a moment to emphasise what we know about some injuries...
Bones, once immobilised can go from broken to rebuilt in a matter of weeks! That's your body's natural response! Put two ends next to one another & your body knows exactly which cells to produce at which point to rebuild a bone! Miraculous really!
Muscles, once torn, will normally rebuild. Your body instinctively knows what to do & the majority of the time this will occur within 6 weeks. A muscle can go from torn, to healed in a matter of weeks. Incredible.
People who suffer from neurological injuries; disruptions to how our nervous system sends & relays messages, have shown that whilst recovering your nervous system can build new pathways! Your body can instinctively rebuild routes for our nerve impulses from nerves to muscles. No surgery, no external fixing. Fascinating!
Yes of course there are exceptions. Of course there are situations where your body needs help. But the majority of the time we are able to heal and rebuild following the most common injuries.
On top of this your body has the potential to improve physically regardless of age or background! We have mentioned in our previous blog HERE about the science behind pain & how your body can end up staying far too sensitive for far too long, and we briefly touched on the following essential concept - Adaptability.
Your body can adapt. Challenge your cardiovascular system and you will get fitter. Challenge your muscles and they will get stronger. Challenge your bones and they too can get stronger. Challenge your mind and it will adapt.
But here's the catch..
You have to ASK!
If your activity levels stay the same, you won't adapt. If your activity levels deteriorate, so will you. It's very simple really.
If you're struggling with an injury, with pain or any ongoing issue, remind yourself of the miraculous potential we all possess, and ask yourself honestly; are you asking your body to adapt or not?
Do you feel weak? Are you trying to get stronger?
Do you feel stiff? Are you asking your body to get more flexible?
Do you find activities physically hard? Are you asking your body to get fitter?
If you need help or guidance - ask. If you've got a clear goal to work towards, establish a simple starting point & get started. If you do nothing, nothing will change.
Adaptability is key when managing a lot of common physical issues. Your body's potential to adapt is truly miraculous, why not find out for yourself?!