(608) 692-8794 // fax (877) 247-6817 susan@yaharatherapy.com

TIPS, CARE and WHEN to GET HELP

• Sometimes pain or tension or discomfort is something you need to meet and work
through, and sometimes it is a message about something more serious that you must pay attention to.
• There are times when your pain and other symptoms are signs of conditions that need
attention from a health care professional.
• Pain can be LOCAL (near the source) or REFERRED (happening away from the source).
• It is important to LEARN about your body and its pain and symptoms so that you can safely get –and give!—the best care for yourself! You started today! Congratulations!

WHY DOES IT HURT? WHAT COULD IT MEAN?

• You could use a stretch or some movement. Maybe things are sticky or clenched.
• You could use some strength! Weak muscles talk!
• You might have an injury to the soft or hard structures of your body.
• Your body’s messaging system could be out of balance. Brain and body chemistry could use a break or some help.
• Stress or trauma can create or increase pain.
• Nerves that get “pinched” – at your spine or at another body part.
• Organs having problems can send pain signals.

*HELP – WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Rest, massage, therapy, exercise and stretching, meditation or a visit to your trusted health care provider. All of these can help.

* If pressure/massage/a position/a movement makes any of the following things happen, STOP!

Seek first aid or medical care as needed.

• Damages your skin (cut, scrape, etc.).
• Makes your pain or symptoms worse.
• Makes your pain or symptoms travel farther (down your legs or arms, for example).
• Creates numbness, tingling, burning or other “weird” sensation.
• Just feels “wrong”.

*Some helpful providers: physical therapist, massage therapist, mental health provider, naturopathic doctor, osteopath, nurse, medical doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner.