04/09/2026
Can the words we use actually change pain?
Increasing evidence suggests they can.
Pain isn't simply a direct readout of tissue damage. The brain continually combines sensory information with past experiences, context and expectations to determine how much protection may be required.
That means the language surrounding an injury or treatment can influence the experience of pain.
Words such as:
“This is damaged (torn, ripped, broken, etc).”
"That is so tight"
“Your spine is unstable (has degenerated, that of an older person).”
“This movement is dangerous.”
“You will probably be sore for a few days afterwards.”
"Your posture is problematic."
can increase threat and negative expectations — potentially contributing to a nocebo response.
Conversely, language that communicates safety, capability and realistic optimism can help create more positive expectations:
“Your body is capable of adapting.”
"I think your body will appreciate the attention."
“This movement is safe to explore.”
“Some discomfort doesn't necessarily mean damage.”
“Let's see what your body is comfortable with today.”
This isn't about telling someone that their pain is “all in their head”, or pretending that tissue damage doesn't matter.
It's about recognising that communication is part of the context in which pain is experienced.
Recent research suggests that expectations can influence pain perception, and that the confidence with which an expectation is held may also matter.
So perhaps we should ask:
Are the words we use helping the nervous system feel threatened — or helping it feel safe enough to adapt?
