When you stub your toe, swearing might do more than vent frustration—it can actually raise your pain tolerance. A Keele University study found real swear words boosted endurance by over 30%, while made-up ones like “fouch” and “twizpipe” had no effect. Why this happens is still a mystery. What’s clear is that real swearing helps us push through pain in ways scientists are only beginning to understand.

Topaz lived with back pain for 14 years after a horse-riding accident. At its worst, her pain reached 9/10, affecting her work and hobbies. Through a tailored rehab programme focused on strengthening, pain education, and gradual return to activity, she reduced her pain, stopped medication, and even hit her first home run in softball. Today, her back pain has completely resolved, showing recovery is possible even after years of suffering.

Persistent pain isn’t just about the body tissues, it’s also about the brain’s predictions. Predictive processing shows us that pain is shaped by expectations as much and sometimes more than sensations. When the brain strongly expects pain, pain can be felt even without ongoing damage. The good news? By updating these predictions through education, mindfulness, safe movement, and context shifts, you can help your brain write a new, less painful story.

Do you struggle to enjoy exercise? You’re not alone. Many people think they hate exercise, but often it’s just that they haven’t found the right kind of movement. Just like finding the right book can spark a love of reading, finding the right workout can transform how you feel about exercise. In this post, physiotherapist Edward Walsh shares practical tips, personal insights, and guidance on how to discover movement you’ll actually enjoy, even if pain has been holding you bac

Can a common mineral help rewire chronic pain? A 2013 RCT found that intravenous and oral magnesium significantly reduced neuropathic low back pain and improved mobility over six months. Acting as a natural NMDA receptor blocker, magnesium may calm central sensitization—making it a promising, affordable tool in pain management. Explore the study findings and the neuroscience behind this overlooked supplement.