Dr. David Orman

Q: What role does the nervous system play in ongoing pain or slow healing, even when the body tissue is not badly damaged, and how can the body naturally relearn safety and calm so healing can occur?

A: Ongoing pain or slow healing often has less to do with damaged tissue and more to do with a nervous system that remains stuck in protection mode. When the brain perceives threat, whether from past injury, chronic stress, or fear of movement, it keeps muscles guarded, blood flow reduced, and inflammation elevated. Even when tissue has healed enough to function, the nervous system may continue sending danger signals, creating pain, stiffness, or weakness that no longer reflects structural reality. In this state, the body prioritizes survival over repair.

The nervous system can relearn safety through repeated experiences of calm, controlled input. Slow breathing, gentle movement, rhythmic walking, and unforced range of motion signal to the brain that the environment and the body are not under attack. When movements are done without bracing, rushing, or pain chasing, the brain updates its map of the body and reduces unnecessary alarm. Touch, warmth, steady pressure, and calm voice tones further reinforce safety, allowing muscles to release and circulation to improve.

As safety increases, healing accelerates. Improved blood flow delivers nutrients and oxygen, inflammation settles, and coordination returns. Pain often decreases not because something was “fixed,” but because the nervous system no longer needs to protect the area. True healing happens when the body feels safe enough to let go. When fear leaves the system, repair becomes possible, and function begins to return naturally.