Living With Pain Every Single Day
John is a 61-year-old semi-retired accountant who had been struggling with pain on the right side of his lower back and hip for many years. At first it was just a dull ache he could ignore but over time that ache grew into something much more serious. It was the kind of pain that followed him everywhere and made even the simplest things feel difficult.
Getting out of bed in the morning became a challenge. Every time John tried to put on his socks or bend down to tie his shoelaces a sharp pain shot through his lower back and ran down his leg. Sitting in the car for more than half an hour was not comfortable anymore either. The pain would flare up and by the end of the drive he often felt stiff and sore. The frustration was not just physical it was mental too. It was hard to feel optimistic when your body constantly lets you down.
Pain That Took Away the Things He Loved
John’s pain did not just interfere with his day-to-day routine. It started to steal away the things he truly loved especially golf. After decades of working hard as an accountant semi-retirement was supposed to mean more time enjoying life and hobbies. Golf had always been a passion a way to relax and socialize with friends.
But as the pain got worse John found himself unable to play at all. The painkillers he had been relying on just to get through the day stopped doing their job. He was devastated and worried. Was this how it was going to be for the rest of his life? Would he have to give up the sport he loved? The thought of never playing golf again made him feel down and even a little hopeless.
Searching for Answers That Never Lasted
Over the years John had done everything he could think of to manage his pain. He had undergone MRI scans which showed some small signs of wear and tear in his back something he was told was normal for his age. He had tried different healthcare providers different treatments and therapies. Nothing seemed to give him long-lasting relief.
Painkillers became his crutch. They helped him work and gave him just enough relief to occasionally get out on the golf course. But deep down he knew this was not a solution. He hated relying on medication just to function. As time went on the pain grew stronger and the relief from pills weaker. He realized it was time to try something different.
Finding a New Path at Sharp Physiotherapy
A friend from his golf club who had also been treated at Sharp Physiotherapy recommended John give it a try. Though he was cautious at first John made an appointment. What happened next was a turning point.
During his first assessment we noticed some obvious issues. His right hip had very limited movement and the muscles around his hip and lower back were extremely tight. The big joint at the base of his spine called the sacroiliac joint was stiff and not moving well. These problems were making his pain worse and limiting what he could do.
John was told the plan. Wer would treat the tight muscles help get his hip moving better and mobilise the stiff joints. The initial plan was for three sessions spaced a week apart. After that we would check how he was feeling. If things did not improve we would be honest and say we could not help. But if he did start to improve we would keep going.
He did improve, and he is now playing golf every week pain free and without medication and this was achieved in 6 weekly sessions of treatment.
The Journey Back to Pain-Free Living
John’s story is one that many people in their middle age or older can relate to the frustration of persistent pain reliance on medication and the fear that nothing will ever change. But it also shows that relief and recovery are possible with the right care.
Too many people accept back or hip pain as just part of getting older. They settle for temporary fixes or assume that nothing can be done. John made the decision to try something new and that choice transformed his life.
His experience is a powerful reminder that even long-lasting pain does not have to control your life. If you are living with similar pain and feel stuck know that there is hope. You do not have to just accept it or live on painkillers forever.
Your Next Step Toward a Pain-Free Life
If John’s story sounds familiar or you have been struggling with ongoing back or hip pain why not reach out? We offer a thorough assessment and tailored treatment plans designed to help you move better and feel stronger.
Sometimes all it takes is a little expert guidance to find your way back to the activities you love. Don’t settle for living with pain when relief might be just a few visits away.
Joe Sharp
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Bonus for Readers: Take the Hip Pain Questionnaire
If you’re experiencing hip pain or want to better understand your symptoms, try our simple Hip Pain Questionnaire. It asks key questions about your pain and scores your responses to help you and your healthcare provider understand your condition better. Click here to get your free questionnaire and take the first step toward managing your hip pain.
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