Service
What It Is
Pain coaching is a modern, evidence-based approach that helps people live better with persistent or recurrent pain. Instead of focusing only on the physical side of pain, it looks at the whole person – recognising that pain is influenced by the body, nervous system, emotions, stress, and daily habits.
Martin Underwood, our pain coach, brings a unique perspective as both a Pain Coach and Alexander Technique Specialist. He is a trainer with Live Well with Pain, a leading UK programme that has thousands of healthcare professionals on chronic pain, and combines this with how to move with more ease and less tension with Alexander Technique.
A pain coach works with you to understand your unique experience of pain, explore the factors that may be keeping it going, and develop practical tools to support recovery. This can include strategies to help calm the nervous system, reduce protective tension, and build confidence in everyday movement.
Common situations
Pain coaching can be especially helpful for:
- Long-term pain that has not fully resolved with medical treatment
- Conditions such as back pain, neck pain, arthritis, or fibromyalgia
- Flare-ups of persistent pain that interfere with work, exercise, or home life
- People who feel “stuck” in a cycle of pain, worry, and reduced activity
- Stress, anxiety, or sleep problems linked with pain
What to expect
Your first session will involve a detailed discussion about your pain story – when it started, what you’ve tried so far, and how it affects your life. From there, Martin will work with you to build a personalised plan.
This may include:
- Education about how pain works and why it persists (including explaining why chronic pain can behave like a faulty fire alarm, continuing to sound even when the danger has passed)
- Practical self-management tools
- Gentle breathing, mindfulness, or relaxation strategies
- Support in gradually increasing safe, enjoyable movement
- Coaching techniques to build resilience, confidence, and sustainable routines
Sessions are collaborative and tailored to your goals. You will not be told to “just push through” pain – instead, the focus is on pacing, progress, and helping you regain a sense of control.
How it fits with other therapies
Pain coaching often works best as part of a wider plan. At Courtyard Clinic, pain coaching can be integrated with Alexander Technique, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy – helping you combine physical treatment with lifestyle and psychological support. If other specialist help is needed, Martin can guide you to trusted professionals.