PT Handbook: Pain is Biopsychosocial

Family drama, toxic relationships...

Author

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
January 30, 2025

Welcome! The PT Handbook is a physical therapy newsletter discussing all things physical therapy/sports medicine. This newsletter is an extension of our philosophy at Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC where our patient population includes exercise lovers and the everyday athlete. We are a PT private practice that prides itself on providing true one on one service.

This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world. If you have questions about the field of physical therapy or need to schedule an appointment (virtual/in person), contact us with the link below!

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC

PT Handbook Conversation: Pain is Biopsychosocial

Ok for some reason #4 in my “4 ways of reducing injury” email 2 weeks ago did not save. But it ties into this email. #4 was essentially “Psychological” factors that impact pain. Any pain, doesn’t matter if it’s chronic or acute. Chronic meaning long standing and acute meaning it just happened. Make sense? Let’s dive into all these factors

  1. Biological- These include age, comorbid disease, smoking status, fatigue and sleep problems

  2. Psychological- These may include depression, anxiety, strong emotions like anger, even fear of movement or fear of your pain

  3. Social- Race, ethnicity, culture, social support, employment status and education level (yes this includes family dynamics and TOXIC relationships 😅 )

This email is simply to remind you that if someone is trying to “reset” you or “adjust” you they are missing a whole other side of pain. While that stuff may feel good, it’s more of a marketing tactic. They aren’t treating the root cause or looking at you as a person. It’s an old medical model that needs to die.

Remember to be conscious of these other factors, life is complex and so is your pain (mental or physical). Don’t let someone lie to you by saying they have a quick fix for your pain (back pain for example). It’s a process and that’s ok. We’re here as physical therapists to guide you through it 🙂 

Until Next Time,

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC