Reframe Script Pack
Say it better. Say it safer.
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🔹 Purpose: To give clinicians a set of ready-to-use phrases that reframe outdated or threatening pain language—on the fly, without sounding rehearsed.
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🔹 Why This Matters: Words matter. A single phrase can either escalate a patient’s fear or help them feel seen and safe. This pack replaces rigid, biomechanical, or fear-inducing language with framing rooted in modern pain science.
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🌀 Swap These Common Phrases:
Instead of… ➤ Try saying…
“Your back is out of alignment.” ➤ “Your back is strong and adaptable. These symptoms are common and changeable.”
“You’ve got degenerative disc disease.” ➤ “Your MRI shows age-related changes—common even in people without pain.”
“Don’t bend or twist.” ➤ “Let’s explore how to bend and twist in ways that feel safe and strong.”
“This movement is bad for your joint.” ➤ “Your joint may be sensitive right now. Let’s rebuild confidence step by step.”
“This is a chronic condition—you’ll have to live with it.” ➤ “Your pain is real, but it’s also changeable. Let’s figure out what helps it shift.”
“Be careful or you’ll make it worse.” ➤ “Let’s move with awareness, not fear—your body is capable.”
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✅ Bonus Scripts: Pain Reframes in the Moment
▫️ “The pain you’re feeling makes sense—your system is doing its best to protect you.”
▫️ “You’re not fragile. You’ve just been stuck in protection mode for a while.”
▫️ “Healing doesn’t always mean zero pain—it means less fear, more trust, and more life.”
▫️ “This isn’t about fixing something broken—it’s about helping your system feel safe again.”
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🔸 Pro Tip for Clinicians:
Don’t just say the words—believe them. Reframes work best when delivered with confidence and compassion.
This resource is part of The Wondering Clinician Toolkit. It’s not medical advice—just a tool to support learning, reflection, and healing. Always consult your clinician when needed.