The BioPsychoSocial Model of Pain
The model currently most frequently used by modern medicine is the 'biomedical model. In this model, physicians are trained to look for a structural cause of symptoms. They look where it hurts. As we now know, this is way too limited.
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The biomedical model may work adequately well for acute injuries, but not so much for chronic pain or other persistent symptoms. The model is also outdated (it's been used since the 17th century). Modern pain science shows that we need to look at more than just the 'bio' part (the body) especially when addressing chronic symptoms.
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The biopsychosocial model of pain is a whole-human integrated approach. It combines the physical reality (our body, genetics, etc.) but also includes our mind (our thoughts, beliefs, emotions), and our social environment (culture, family environment, socioeconomic background, race, etc)! Today we understand that EVERYTHING matters when it comes to pain. Therefore, looking at everything becomes indispensable. And, because we know that many factors affect our pain experience, this approach offers us many new ways to target the treatment of pain. So when you think you've tried everything to treat your symptoms, this is great news, because most likely you haven't.
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With a perfect blend of cutting-edge pain neuroscience, effective psychology-informed treatment methods, graded exposure, safe movement therapy, and mindfulness techniques to calm your nervous system, mindbody therapies look at all of you and can be a very viable treatment to help your recovery!
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