The Impact of Language and Safety Messaging in Pain Recovery

katherinebutcher
Nov 19
2 min read

When the brain perceives a threat, the nervous system can jump into full alarm mode—even when there is no real danger, or the threat is far less intense than the brain thinks. In these moments, how we communicate safety matters. Safety messaging works best when it is genuine, believable, and attuned to the person receiving it.

Why Words Matter in Pain Recovery

Words have the power to heal or harm. Living with chronic pain often drives people to search endlessly for answers, yet research shows that psychological factors are often stronger predictors of pain and disability than structural factors (Stewart & Loftus, 2018).

Even clinical terms that seem harmless, like “degenerative discs” or “wear and tear,” can trigger fear in patients. Misinterpretation of medical language contributes to chronic pain by fueling worry, distress, and unnecessary disability. How we communicate diagnoses can be just as impactful as the test results themselves.

Carefully chosen language, empathetic listening, and clear safety messages can reduce fear, build trust, and help patients regain control over their pain recovery.

Safety Reappraisal: Teaching the Brain Safety

Pain is our built-in alarm system. It protects us by signaling danger or bodily threat. But when the brain overestimates threat, it keeps the nervous system on high alert long after the danger has passed.

Safety reappraisal is the process of helping the brain recognize, “The fire drill is over.” It’s not about ignoring pain or forcing positivity. Instead, it involves creating small, believable experiences of safety that allow the brain to update its story.

By learning to give yourself what your nervous system needs and communicating messages of safety, you can gradually reduce the intensity of pain signals. Over time, pain can even become a guide—a “superpower”—helping you navigate your body and emotions more safely.

How to Communicate Safety Effectively

Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) emphasizes evidence-based messaging. When crafting safety messages:

Base them on scientific facts: understand that pain is neuroplastic and your body is not in genuine danger.
Tailor messages to your experience by asking:
- Does your pain come and go, change intensity, or move around?
- Does stress worsen your pain, or does engagement in enjoyable activities reduce it?
- Do you have multiple chronic symptoms or mental health conditions?
- Are personality traits like perfectionism or anxiety affecting your response?
- Are symptoms triggered by non-physical factors, like weather, light, or sound?

Examples of Safety Messages

For fluctuating pain: “The sensations are unpleasant right now, but I know they will decrease soon. This feeling is temporary.”
For brain-triggered symptoms: “My symptoms are currently worse due to my brain's perception. I have a very opinionated brain!”
For reassurance: “I have survived this before, and I know I can get through it again.”
For self-soothing: “I can take a break. I can step out to take care of myself.”

Over time, these messages feel authentic, reduce fear responses, and allow the brain to collect believable experiences of safety. Less fear → less fuel for pain → fewer chronic symptoms.