Most of us have experienced many different types of pain—a persistent ache in the back, a sharp pain in the knee, or a discomfort that simply won’t go away. But what if pain had a personality?
At Wyndham Physio and Rehabilitation, we’ve encountered a wide spectrum of pain presentations, and over time, we’ve noticed some intriguing patterns. In this blog, we take a light-hearted yet insightful look at how to better understand your pain, recognise what it may be signalling, and—most importantly—know when it’s time to seek professional care.
So.. which pain personality are you dealing with?
1. The Nag
Pain Type: Dull, persistent, mild to moderate
Feels Like: A constant reminder that something’s not quite right
Where You’ll Find It: Lower back, neck, shoulders, or knees—especially after sitting or working all day
This Pain Says: “Hey, I’m not ruining your day, but I’ll be here every day until you deal with me.”
What It Might Mean:
- Muscle tension
- Postural strain
- Early-stage arthritis
- Overuse without enough recovery
What To Do: Don’t ignore this one. It’s your body whispering before it starts shouting. Book a movement or posture assessment to get ahead of it.
2. The Stabber
Pain Type: Sharp, sudden, intense
Feels Like: A knife, jolt, or shock
Where You’ll Find It: Back (especially when bending or twisting), ankles, shoulders, or during sports
This Pain Says: “I’ll stop you in your tracks—and remind you not to mess with me again.”
What It Might Mean:
- Ligament or muscle tear
- Nerve irritation
- Joint impingement
- Acute injury
What To Do: This is not the “walk it off” kind of pain. If you’ve experienced a sudden stabbing pain, especially with a pop or limited movement, come in for an assessment ASAP.
3. The Lurker
Pain Type: Intermittent, vague, sneaky
Feels Like: Comes and goes unpredictably, sometimes after activity
Where You’ll Find It: Hips, knees, or lower back—especially with movement or load
This Pain Says: “Don’t worry about me… until you do.”
What It Might Mean:
- Early tendon or cartilage wear
- Referred pain from another area
- Biomechanical imbalances
What To Do: Because this pain plays hide and seek, many people ignore it—until it gets worse. A physio can help identify the root cause before it becomes a bigger problem.
4. The Screamer
Pain Type: Intense, constant, inflammatory
Feels Like: Throbbing, swelling, heat, can’t-touch-it kind of pain
Where You’ll Find It: Joints (like knees, shoulders, ankles) or injured muscles
This Pain Says: “This is DEFCON 1. I need you to stop, now.”
What It Might Mean:
- Acute inflammation
- Major muscle strain or sprain
- Bursitis, tendonitis
- Possibly infection or more serious joint condition
What To Do: Stop activity, reduce inflammation with rest/ice/compression, and get in touch with us
for a diagnosis and recovery plan.
5. The Phantom Pain
Pain Type: Radiating, difficult to localise
Feels Like: Tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp shooting pain
Common Areas: Down the arms, legs, or around the spine
This Pain Says: “I’m not where you think I am—I’m coming from somewhere else and pulling
your nerves along for the ride.”
Possible Causes:
- Nerve compression (e.g., sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Disc-related issues in the spine
- Referred pain from deeper structures
What To Do: Radiating or nerve-related pain can worsen if ignored. The physiotherapists at Wyndham Physio and Rehabilitation are skilled at identifying the true source of the issue and applying targeted treatment to relieve pressure on the nerves and restore function.
Choose the Right Treatment – Your Recovery Starts Here
Still unsure what your pain is trying to tell you? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. During your next visit to Wyndham Physio and Rehabilitation, our experienced team will help you decode your symptoms and match them with the right, evidence-based treatment—designed just for you.
We go beyond surface-level relief. Our focus is on finding the root cause of your pain and helping you move, feel, and live better.
The first step to feeling better is knowing where to begin.
Let us help you take that first step !!
Book your appointment now — and leave that painful personality behind.