What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

Acute pain is characterized as short-term pain that often arises suddenly in response to a specific injury, surgery, or illness. It typically serves as a warning of injury or disease and is a normal and protective response to tissue damage. The duration of acute pain can range from a few moments to a few weeks, and it usually resolves as the underlying cause heals.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, lasts for an extended period, often defined as pain that persists for longer than three to six months. It can continue long after the initial injury or condition has resolved, and it often becomes a condition in itself, leading to ongoing discomfort without a clear cause. Chronic pain may result from various factors, including nerve damage, mental health conditions, or long-term health issues.

This distinction between acute and chronic pain is critical in therapeutic massage and bodywork, where understanding the nature and duration of a client’s pain can influence treatment approaches and goals. Recognizing that acute pain typically occurs in the immediate aftermath of injury and usually has a defined duration reinforces the importance of appropriate assessment and intervention in pain management and recovery strategies.