Millions of people worldwide deal daily with chronic pain, affecting not just their physical wellbeing but also their mental and emotional health. Chronic pain has a weighted mean prevalence in adults of 20% (Geneen et al 2017). Chronic pain is complex and its multifaceted nature shows the importance of a comprehensive approach to pain management. At our clinic, where we integrate osteopathy, Pilates and nutrition into personalised care plans, we have witnessed firsthand how holistic treatments can produce positive results leading to improved pain management and quality of life. However, despite advancements in our understanding of pain, many myths persist about how chronic pain should be treated. This blog will address the top five myths about chronic pain and explain how our unique, patient-centred approach can offer an alternative pathway to lasting relief.

Myth 1: “Chronic Pain Can’t Be Cured, Only Managed with Medication.”

Whilst chronic pain can be difficult to manage and it is often relieved with medications, it doesn’t mean that’s the only solution. Medications like painkillers or anti-inflammatories, usually mask symptoms without solving the root cause or underlying issue, offering temporary relief and sometime reliance on pharmaceuticals.

Holistic treatments offer a different path.

Therapies like osteopathy and Pilates work to correct structural and physiological imbalances, improve mobility, and enhance the body’s natural healing mechanisms, rather than just altering pain perception. Osteopathic treatments focus on manipulating the body’s musculoskeletal system, improving lymphatic and blood circulation, release tension and restore balance. Pilates, on the other hand, strengthens the muscles, improves flexibility and enhances posture, all of which promote better movement patterns and reduce strain on painful areas.

For example, one of our clients, who had been living with chronic lower back pain for over a decade, saw significant improvements after combining regular osteopathic sessions with Pilates. She experienced not only a reduction in pain but also an increase in energy and mobility that allowed her to return to other activities she thought were lost to her forever. With our holistic approach, many people discover that chronic pain is not an unchangeable fate but a condition that can improve when the body is supported in the right ways.

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Myth 2: “Exercise Will Make My Pain Worse.”

Many people with chronic pain shy away from exercise and for obvious reasons. If movement hurts, surely it’s not going to help. The truth is that while rest is important during acute flare-ups, long-term sedentary lifestyle can actually exacerbate chronic pain due to the development of dysfunctional movement patterns, muscle weakness and joint stiffness.

Pilates can be transformative for chronic pain sufferers.

Pilates can be transformative for chronic pain sufferers, offering a low-impact yet highly effective way to increase strength and flexibility without overloading the joints. Yu et al (2023) suggested Pilates significantly reduced pain and improved physical function in individuals with chronic low back pain. Our sessions are designed to work within your pain limits, offering modifications that help you move comfortably while progressively building strength. The controlled, mindful movements are especially beneficial for those with chronic pain, as they improve muscle and joint health and retrain the body to move more efficiently.

A common misconception is that exercise will cause further damage. However, research shows that properly designed exercise programs not only help manage pain but can also prevent future injuries by improving muscle coordination and balance. By integrating Pilates into their routines, many of our clients have found that regular movement actually decreases their pain levels over time and they regain confidence in their bodies’ abilities.

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Myth 3: “Diet Has No Impact on My Pain.”

Chronic pain is often placed within the musculoskeletal context without taking into consideration the interconnected relationship that all the body systems have with each other. In fact, for example, many people believe that diet doesn’t have any connection to their pain levels but research suggests that certain foods can either exacerbate or alleviate chronic pain. What you eat could play a crucial role in how your body manages pain and inflammation. Moreover, tailoring a diet for a specific health condition (like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or leaky gut for example) with the right foods could help alleviate chronic pain due to that condition.

Nutrition is a powerful tool for managing inflammation and pain.

A diet high in processed foods, sugar, alcohol and unhealthy fats, can promote systemic inflammation, which is a major contributor to chronic pain. On the flip side, a diet rich in whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and healthy fats can reduce inflammation, improve tissue repair and support overall health.

At our clinic, we provide personalised nutrition consultations to help clients make dietary changes that support their healing. We have seen dramatic improvements in pain management by focusing on anti-inflammatory diets. For example, clients who switched to a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, dietary fibers and low in processed food and alcohol, reported reduced joint pain and fewer flare-ups of conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. It’s a reminder that what you put into your body can either fuel inflammation or help to extinguish it.

“Research results indicate that multimodal combination therapy yields a more significant reduction in pain than relying solely on single treatments (Dydyk and Conermann, 2024).”

Myth 4: “Osteopathy Is Only for Back Pain.”

Many people associate osteopathy solely with back pain treatment. While it is highly effective in treating back pain, it offers far more than just spinal care. It addresses the whole body, which means that an osteopath looks at how different body parts are interacting and contributing to the problem. Also, an osteopath can support systems in the body like the gut or the nervous system.

Osteopathy is a versatile treatment for a wide range of chronic pain conditions.

Osteopathic techniques can help with headaches, joint pain, digestive issues, stress and even chronic fatigue. The focus is on restoring musculoskeletal function and homeostasis so that the body can heal itself. By improving blood flow, enhancing lymphatic drainage and releasing muscle and joint tension, it promotes natural healing processes that are often compromised in people with chronic pain.

For instance, a client suffering from chronic shoulder pain found substantial relief after osteopathic treatment. By addressing tension in her neck, supporting the mobility of her upper back, lower back and shoulders and improving function of the digestive organs, she experienced less intense pain in just a few sessions. This holistic approach allows to serve as an effective option for many different chronic pain conditions, not just back problems.

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Myth 5: “Holistic Treatments Are Less Effective Than Conventional Medicine.”

There is a common misconception that holistic treatments are “soft” or “too alternative” and therefore less effective than conventional medical treatments. This myth overlooks the fact that many holistic treatments (like osteopathy, nutrition and Pilates) are supported by scientific evidence and are highly effective in managing chronic pain, without many side effects.

Holistic treatments can provide long-term relief.

These approaches aim to address the root causes of your chronic pain and offer sustainable improvements without masking the symptoms. Huang & Park (2023) suggested Pilates training may be an effective strategy to improve pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain.

Osteopathy has been proven effective in treating conditions like sciatica, arthritis and neck pain. Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing systemic inflammation, which is often a driver of chronic pain.

Many clients often come to us after long conventional treatments, only to find that a more holistic, integrative approach offers them relief they never thought possible. By focusing on the whole person—anatomy, physiology and lifestyle—we provide lasting solutions for managing chronic pain.

Conclusion

At Wellthy Clinic, we understand that living with chronic pain is challenging but you don’t have to face it alone. Through our services, we are here to support you every step of the way. By debunking the above common myths and embracing holistic treatments, you can take control of your pain and begin the journey to better health.