10 Sticking Points That Can Keep You Stuck in Chronic Pain Recovery
If you’re trying to find relief from chronic pain, whether it’s back pain, migraines, fatigue, IBS, or anxiety, you’ve likely come across a lot of information. Maybe you’ve tried multiple approaches, treatments, or even medications without success.
Healing chronic pain using a mind-body approach can feel overwhelming, especially when stress and anxiety are part of the equation. These 10 sticking points are something I recently shared in my pain relief community because they’re incredibly common and can make the journey to TMS recovery feel harder than it needs to be.
The good news? When you know how to recognize and address these sticking points, you can move past them and make real progress.
1. Not knowing where to start
When you’re struggling with chronic pain, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. You’ve likely tried doctors, treatments, and various approaches, only to feel stuck. Without a clear starting point, it’s easy to lose hope.
Starting with a framework or process that works for you—like a mind-body approach—is often the first step toward clarity.
2. Doubting the process will work
Skepticism is a normal part of this journey, especially if you’ve been dealing with stress, TMS, or anxiety-related pain for years. It’s common to think, “This pain feels so physical—how could it possibly have an emotional cause?”
The truth is, you don’t have to fully believe in the process to start. Many people begin their TMS recovery journey with doubts but go on to experience real relief as they stick with the work.
3. Having a process but not having a plan
Many people know what they need to do but struggle with how to do it. Questions like, “When should I meditate?” or “What do I do when pain arises?” can leave you feeling unsure of how to move forward.
Having a plan is essential for long-term success. It helps you know exactly when and how to use your tools, which is something I focus on in my pain relief community, where I help people build a plan that integrates into their daily life.
4. Not understanding the timeline
Healing is not linear. Pain may come and go, and that’s a completely normal part of the process. Unfortunately, many people feel discouraged when they experience setbacks, thinking they’ve failed.
The reality is that healing requires patience and persistence. Ups and downs are a natural part of the journey, and recognizing this can help you stay motivated through those challenging moments.
5. Not being consistent
Consistency is one of the most important aspects of chronic pain recovery. Healing tools like meditation or journaling work best when used regularly. But when you’re feeling better, it’s easy to stop—and that’s when pain often sneaks back in.
Rather than focusing solely on “feeling better,” ask yourself, What can I do to connect to myself today? This small shift in focus can make a big difference.
6. Not understanding balance
It’s easy to approach TMS recovery with an all-or-nothing mindset. Some people push themselves too hard, trying to fix everything at once, while others hold back out of fear or overwhelm.
Finding balance is key. This isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about creating a sustainable rhythm that works for you.
7. Not understanding the nuances of the plan
Healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s about figuring out how to use the tools in a way that’s unique to you. For example, what should you do when you’re feeling doubt? What practices support your emotional or spiritual health?
These nuances are what make healing deeply personal and are why building your understanding is so valuable.
8. Not being flexible with the plan
What works during one season of your life might not work during another. Healing is an evolving process, and being flexible with your plan is essential for long-term success.
For example, a summer routine might need to shift during winter, or a stressful life event may require adjustments to your daily practices. Flexibility allows you to adapt and stay on track, no matter what life throws your way.
9. Not having the energy
Chronic pain, stress, and anxiety can drain your energy, making even small tasks feel overwhelming. On those days when it feels like too much, it’s okay to step back and focus on just living your life.
My hope is that anyone working with me develops the tools and confidence to navigate life independently, but in the meantime, it’s okay to rest. Remember, this is part of the process.
10. Not having support
This is one of the biggest challenges people face—but it’s one you don’t have to face alone. Support can make all the difference when it comes to healing chronic pain, anxiety, or TMS-related symptoms.
That’s why I created my free pain relief community—to give people the space to ask questions, find encouragement, and connect with others who understand.
If these sticking points resonate with you, you’re not alone. In my pain relief community, you’ll find:
✔️ A free 1-hour pain relief course
✔️ A supportive community chat
✔️ Guidance from me
✔️ A mind-body quiz
✔️ Replays of past live calls
✔️ Access to live calls with me
Ready to take the next step in your chronic pain recovery?