The Iceberg of Pain: Why It’s Never Just About the Pain
Why Pain Recovery Feels Like an Iceberg
If you’ve been dealing with pain for what feels like forever, wether it back pain, hip pain or anything else you’re not alone. Here at The Recovery Project in Cromwell, I see patients every week who are stuck in the same frustrating cycle: pain, rehab, a short-term improvement, and then… back to square one.
It’s disheartening, right? You want to believe the work you’re putting in will pay off. But let’s get real for a moment—back pain recovery isn’t always straightforward, and the trouble often lies in what we can’t see. Let me tell you about a patient I saw recently—let’s call him Jake.
Jake came to see me with this nagging back pain he couldn’t shake. He’d been to physios, chiropractors, you name it, but the pain kept creeping back, especially when he returned to work.
Jake’s a builder, and his job is physical. Heavy lifting, long days, awkward angles—you get the picture. But here’s the thing: Jake’s back pain wasn’t just about his back.
The Iceberg Analogy
Think of back pain like an iceberg. The bit you see—the pain—is just the tip. What’s underneath? That’s where the real stuff is hiding.
For Jake, there were layers:
A job that didn’t align with his values anymore: Jake loved being hands-on, but he’d been doing this kind of work for years, and it was taking a toll. He felt stuck because, deep down, he didn’t see himself doing it long-term.
A mismatch between his fitness and his job demands: The physical demands of building far outweighed what his body was capable of handling. Rehab wasn’t just a quick fix—it needed to build strength and resilience that matched his workload.
The one-off rehab trap: Jake had done stints of rehab before. He’d feel better for a bit, but then he’d go straight back into work, hoping things would hold up. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.
Why One Stint of Rehab Isn’t Enough
Here’s the tricky part: rehab isn’t something you can tick off like a to-do list and then forget about. It’s not “do this for six weeks, and you’re sorted.” Especially when your day-to-day life keeps throwing the same challenges at you.
For Jake, it was like trying to patch up a sinking boat without fixing the hole. His job kept pushing him to the brink, and he wasn’t maintaining the strength and mobility he needed to keep up with it.
The Realisation
We had to get real. I asked Jake a tough question: “Do you actually want to keep doing this job?” It was confronting, but it opened the door to an honest conversation about his values, his health, and his future.
Jake realised he wasn’t just frustrated with his back—he was frustrated with feeling stuck. He wanted to keep working, but he also wanted to feel strong and capable, not broken and defeated.
The Long Game
For Jake, the plan wasn’t about quick fixes anymore. It was about building a foundation:
Strengthening his body to handle the demands of his work, not just for now but for years down the line.
Creating habits that supported his recovery beyond those six-week bursts of rehab.
Aligning his work with what he valued most—feeling good in his body and confident in what he could do.
What About You?
If this sounds familiar, it’s because Jake’s story isn’t unique. So many people come in thinking, “Why can’t I just fix this pain and get on with it?” But the truth is, pain is rarely just about the body. It’s about the environment, the lifestyle, and sometimes the mindset we’re carrying.
If you’re stuck in that cycle of pain and frustration, ask yourself:
Is what I’m doing now helping me for the long term?
Am I giving myself the time and tools to actually build strength and resilience?
Is there a bigger picture—work, life, values—that needs attention too?
The Recovery Mindset
Back pain recovery is about more than just exercises and manual therapy. It’s about challenging the mindset that pain will magically disappear if you just push through or try harder.
Here at The Recovery Project in Cromwell, we help patients step back and look at the bigger picture. Are your habits supporting your recovery? Does your environment allow you to heal? Are you ready to play the long game instead of chasing quick results?
Long-Term Change Takes Time
It’s not easy, and I get it—it can feel defeating when you’re not fixed in a month. But nurturing your body and mind takes time, effort, and consistency. Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s about evolving and adapting as your life changes.
At The Recovery Project, we take a personalised, patient-led approach to recovery. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, hip issues, or just feeling stuck, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
So, if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start addressing the full iceberg, let’s have a chat. Recovery might not be quick, but it’s always worth it.
