1/5/26

One of the most important things I’ve learned in practice is that pain is rarely just about one thing. It is rarely one joint that is stuck or a “knot” that needs to be worked out. When someone comes in hurting, where they feel pain is often only part of the story. We respect the pain, treat it, but know that it is tricky and as my friends say, “pain cannot be trusted”. It is influenced by many different systems working together: fascia, joints, muscles, nervous system, and immune system. Yes, your immune system! I have seen so many patients who eliminate something in their diet such as gluten or dairy and their symptoms significantly improve because their immune system and its inflammatory response calms down. We know there are many other contributors to this such as poor sleep quality and even emotional stressors. That’s why pain can linger, move around, or return even after an injury seems “healed.” The body is a beautiful symphony of a lot of systems working together dynamically and in equilibrium.

In terms of our musculoskeletal system, the compensations are where we typically have injuries or experience pain. When that happens, treating just the painful spot often isn’t enough. That’s why I take a broader view when evaluating pain. We look at movement, soft tissue health, joint mechanics, and lifestyle factors that affect healing and recovery. When multiple systems are supported together, pain often becomes easier to understand and easier to improve. And remember, having pain doesn’t mean you’re broken. Most of the time, it simply means the body is asking for a more complete approach.

Dr. Armen

Dealing with pain that doesn’t quite make sense?

If your pain has lingered, shifted, or returned despite treatment, it may be a sign that the body needs a more complete approach. We’re happy to help you explore that and better understand what your body is asking for.