Sitting at the crossroad of Intention and Inhibition

Intention- an aim or plan, in medicine: the healing process of a wound, muscles already neurally programmed, pre-planed
Inhibition-protection, unable to act in a natural way, lack of accessibility, hindering the process

It's funny how when you repeat an educational course you gain a depth of understanding and insight unlike the first or second time through. I recently repeated a course on the evaluation and treatment of the fascial pelvis and its relationship to the rest of the body. And no, that's not what this post is about (you're welcome).

As I was taking in the thought that touch has a direct and intimate connection to our nervous system, I could not help but also think how our reactions are shaped by our past positive and negative touch experiences.

Imagine the difference in reaction to a genuine hug from someone who has been loved and hugged and interacted with their whole lives verses someone who has been held at arm’s length or abused as a child or even as an adult. The reciprocation of that touch will be very different.  Here lies the crossroad of intention and inhibition. 

In the world of physical therapy, we may ask or clients to have pure well intended movement, however pain (current or past) creates inhibition to this movement we desire.  If time is allowed pass without addressing this inhibition, the survival instinct within our bodies will figure out a way to incorporate this inhibition, further deepening the root cause of the problem.

A pattern of movement of survival will be laid on top of older patterns just to get through today or this week or this month. The end result is a compensatory movement or action which creates a whole new set of challenges for us. 

Is this not the same to emotional trauma as well? We may intend to provide a warm hug, however to an abused or injured person, this hug or physical contact may be perceived as threatening. The inhibiting result is a very raw and primitive reaction from our nervous system - withdrawal and protection. Our heart rate increases, our muscles tense, our blood pressure raises and our stress levels increase.

This reaction occurs with inhibited movement as well resulting in some form of limited function and pain. 

Question:  Could not emotional trauma and/stress cause physical pain? And vice versa?

Our skin is made of millions of touches receptors and the habitual process of life leads to positive or negative experiences and thought – yes, you can shape your future with thought.  Positive and forward thought will lead to positive and forward emotion and positive and forward movement.   Try it - when you're having a rough day, put a smile on your face.  I bet your mood improves.