Why Do I Hurt? Understanding Pain Through a Modern Lens
Pain is something we’ve all felt — from sore backs and stiff necks to sports injuries that seem to linger. But here’s the truth: pain doesn’t always mean damage.
At Thrive Physio in Mississauga, we help patients see pain differently. Thanks to modern pain science, we know pain isn’t just a signal from the body — it’s a complex response from the brain and nervous system. Stress, sleep, immune function, past injuries, and even your beliefs about pain can influence how much you feel it.
If you’re looking for physiotherapy in Mississauga, here’s how we explain pain and help you recover.
Inflammatory Pain: Healing in Action
This pain is part of your body’s natural healing response. It often shows up after an injury, surgery, or when tissues are repairing.
Signs: redness, swelling, heat, tenderness, throbbing, or soreness with pressure.
Example: a swollen ankle after a sprain.
With the right mix of rest, guided movement, and physiotherapy, inflammatory pain usually improves in the short term.
Nociceptive Pain: Mechanical Signals
This type of pain happens when muscles, joints, or tendons are stressed or irritated. Think of it as your body’s warning signal to move differently.
Signs: localized, predictable pain that changes with posture or movement.
Example: back pain after lifting a heavy box or knee pain going downstairs.
With personalized physio in Mississauga, nociceptive pain often resolves fully and helps you move more confidently.
Neurogenic (Nerve) Pain: When Signals Misfire
Nerve pain feels different from muscle or joint pain — often sharper or more electric. It happens when nerves are irritated or compressed.
Signs: burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain down a limb (like sciatica).
Nerves take longer to heal, but with targeted physiotherapy, we can reduce sensitivity and restore healthy movement.
When Pain Doesn’t Match the Injury
Sometimes pain sticks around even after tissues have healed. That’s because the nervous system can stay hypersensitive.
Stress, poor sleep, fear, and even past trauma can amplify pain. This doesn’t mean your pain is “in your head.” It means your body is protecting you — sometimes too much.
At Thrive Physio, we use pain science and rehab strategies to reset your system and get you moving again.
How Thrive Physio Treats Pain
Our Mississauga physiotherapists go beyond symptoms. We focus on:
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One-on-one physiotherapy care
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Pain education and reassurance
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Hands-on treatment + movement rehab
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Support for athletes, active adults, and everyday patients
Because pain is real — but with the right care, it’s also reversible.
Ready to Find Relief in Mississauga?
If pain is interfering with your work, sport, or sleep, our team is here to help you find answers and lasting relief.
Call us at (647) 654-4879
Visit us at 777 Dundas St. W., Mississauga, ON
Book online: www.thrivephysio.ca
At Thrive Physio Mississauga, there’s always a reason for your pain. Let’s find it together.
