Short-Term Fixes vs. Long-Term Solutions: How to Finally Get Out of Pain
If you’ve ever searched for "how do I get out of pain," chances are you’ve come across countless quick fixes—pop a pill, get a crack, jump in an ice bath, slap on a cup, and hope the pain disappears. And to be fair, many of these things do help…
…for a moment.
They provide relief, loosen tightness, or give a temporary sense of “reset.” But relief is not the same as resolution.
Short-Term Fixes: Temporary Relief Without Real Change
Massage therapy, chiropractic adjustments, ice baths, cupping, foam rolling, ball mashing, acupuncture, and endless stretching all fall into the category of short-term fixes. They’re tools—sometimes necessary ones—but they’re not the solution.
Why?
Because they don’t address why the problem is happening in the first place.
It’s like mopping up water without fixing the leak. Sure, you’re making it look cleaner for a while, but the root issue is still there, quietly getting worse. If we never look upstream, we’ll stay stuck in the same cycle: pain → relief → repeat.
The Science Behind Short-Term Relief
Short-term methods like massage therapy and chiropractic adjustments can be effective for temporary relief. Studies show that massage can reduce muscle tension and increase blood flow, which helps reduce soreness and stiffness (Cochrane Review, 2015). Similarly, chiropractic adjustments may improve joint mobility and provide short-term pain relief (Spine Journal, 2019).
Reference:
Cochrane Review. (2015). "Massage for Low-Back Pain." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Spine Journal. (2019). "Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care for Acute and Chronic Pain Management." Spine Journal.
However, research consistently points out that these methods are best used as complementary treatments rather than standalone solutions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2021) found that while chiropractic adjustments improved short-term pain, the long-term resolution required corrective exercise and mobility training.
Break the Cycle with Long-Term Solutions at Bridge Fitness
At Bridge Fitness in Victoria, BC, we don’t just treat symptoms—we solve problems. Our approach focuses on understanding the root cause of your pain, so we can design a strategy that creates lasting change.
Whether it’s back pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, or any other nagging issue, our proven system helps you get out of pain and back to doing the things you love.
1️⃣ Lifestyle Assessment & Modification
Your body reflects how you move, rest, sit, stand, and recover. If your habits are working against you, no short-term tool will outpace that. Our first step is to analyze your daily patterns, identifying the stressors that could be contributing to pain or tightness.
Alt Tag: Lifestyle assessment at Bridge Fitness in Victoria, BC
Evidence-Based Insight:
A study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2020) found that poor posture, prolonged sitting, and repetitive movements are primary contributors to chronic back pain. Correcting these habits through lifestyle assessment and modification was shown to reduce pain by up to 60% over a 12-month period.
Reference:
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. (2020). "Impact of Lifestyle Modifications on Chronic Back Pain." BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.
2️⃣ Flexibility & Mobility Testing
We don’t guess—we assess. Knowing your specific limitations helps us create a strategy that’s right for your body. This includes:
Mobility Assessments to identify restrictions.
Flexibility Testing to understand range of motion limitations.
Alt Tag: Mobility assessment for back pain relief at Bridge Fitness in Langford, BC
Peer-Reviewed Evidence:
The Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2019) found that poor mobility, particularly in the hips and thoracic spine, is linked to compensatory movement patterns that lead to lower back and shoulder pain. Addressing these mobility limitations through targeted exercises reduces pain and improves functional movement.
Reference:
3️⃣ Strength Balance Testing
Often, what’s tight is working overtime for something that’s underperforming. We find the imbalances so we can restore balance. Correcting these imbalances not only relieves pain but also improves overall movement quality.
Alt Tag: Strength balance testing to identify muscle imbalances
Reference:
4️⃣ Specific, Structured & Progressive Movement Training
The goal isn’t just to feel better—it’s to move better, with more control, confidence, and longevity. Our training programs are progressive and customized to your unique needs, ensuring you build strength, improve mobility, and prevent future injuries.
Alt Tag: Progressive strength training at Bridge Fitness in Victoria, BC
Reference:
Success Stories: Real People, Real Results
At Bridge Fitness, we’ve helped countless people in Victoria and Langford, BC get out of pain and back to doing the things they love. From athletes to busy parents, our clients have seen real change—not just in how they feel, but in how they move every single day.
"I struggled with back pain for years and tried everything—massage, chiropractic, stretching—but nothing seemed to last. Bridge Fitness completely changed my approach, and now I’m back to running my life pain-free!" — [Maryanne Carmack], Victoria, BC
"You have been there through every back issue and I know that if I had been training with anyone else… I would have packed it in long ago." — [Michele McKenzie], Langford, BC
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between short-term fixes and long-term solutions for pain?
Short-term fixes provide temporary relief by addressing symptoms, while long-term solutions identify and correct the root causes of pain for lasting change.
2. How long does it take to see results with long-term solutions?
Many clients report noticeable improvements in 4–6 weeks with consistent training and mobility work.
3. Is mobility assessment necessary if I only have back pain?
Yes! Mobility assessments help identify restrictions that may be contributing to your back pain.
Ready to Get Out of Pain for Good?
Quick fixes feel good in the moment. But if you want lasting results, you need a plan that’s built around you—your lifestyle, your body, your goals.
At Bridge Fitness, we’re here to help you break the cycle and build a foundation that lasts.
Book in for a FREE Discovery Call to see if we’re a good fit. Let’s get you moving better and living pain-free.
