There’s No Blueprint for Healing: Why Pain Needs a Personalised Approach
Why I don’t believe in templated approaches to healing
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Fix for Pain: Why I Don’t Believe in Templated Approaches to Healing
If you've ever left a physio appointment with a sheet of exercises that looks suspiciously like what your friend got for a completely different issue, you’re not alone. It’s a common story. And if you’ve been dealing with chronic pain for months or years, chances are that standard sheet of movements didn’t really help.
Here’s why: pain is deeply personal—and there is no universal blueprint for healing.
The Problem With Templated Approaches
In the world of rehab and recovery, it's become far too common to treat clients based on protocols, checklists, and assumptions, rather than as individuals.
You come in with back pain? Great, here’s a back pain protocol. Shoulder problem? No worries, we’ve got a print-out for that too.
But this approach falls short for one very important reason: it doesn’t take into account how your body uniquely moves—or compensates.
Templated programmes might work for a fresh, acute injury where compensations haven’t had time to set in. In those early days, simple rest and a few exercises might be enough.
But if you’ve been living with longstanding discomfort or chronic pain, you’ve likely developed layers of tension, compensation patterns, and imbalances that a generic exercise sheet simply won’t address.
Pain Might Feel the Same, But the Root Cause Is Rarely Identical
Let’s say you and your neighbour both come to me with lower back pain. You’re both pointing to the same spot. On paper, it looks like the same issue. But when I assess you both individually, here's what I see:
You have a hip that’s hiked up, pulling your pelvis out of alignment and putting strain on your lower back.
Your neighbour has a rounded upper back and tight shoulders, forcing her lower spine to do all the work during movement.
Same pain location—completely different causes. If you both go home with the same exercises, what outcome do you realistically expect?
This is exactly why I don’t believe in cookie-cutter healing.
Why Personalised Assessment Matters
When I work with a client, I don’t start with a set protocol. I start with listening.
I look at how you carry yourself.
I test how your muscles are working—or not working.
I observe where you're tight, where you're overcompensating, and how your body moves as a whole.
This individualised approach is what allows us to get faster, more effective results. We’re not just treating a symptom—we’re working to correct the cause, which is often unique to you.
The Fast Track to Long-Term Relief
If your goal is to reduce pain and move better, here’s what you need to know:
Exercises alone can work, eventually. But they’ll work faster and better if your body is first brought back into balance.
That’s why I integrate hands-on soft tissue therapy to release tension and restore movement before layering on strengthening work.
Think of it like trying to drive with the handbrake on. Until you release that restriction, you’re always fighting resistance.
It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what works for you.
You Deserve More Than a Print-Out
Healing isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s not about following a flowchart.
It’s about having someone who’s willing to look beyond the surface and actually see you—your body, your history, your habits, your goals.
There is no one-size-fits-all fix for pain. But there is a way forward, and it starts with you.
If you’ve tried the standard route and you’re still in pain, maybe it’s time for a different approach. One that puts you, not the protocol, at the centre.
Sabrina is a movement specialist based in Worcester Park, helping people overcome pain, move better, and enjoy active, fulfilling lives. With expertise in sports and remedial massage, personal training, and the Emmett Technique, she works with clients to relieve pain, improve mobility, and build strength. Treatments and training sessions take place in her private home treatment and training room. If you would like to discuss your needs, book a Discovery Call.