“Oh I’ve had that!” - The comment that could do more harm than good.

One-Size-Fits-All does not apply to pain and injury.

We’ve all been there. You mention your back pain, that ‘dodgy shoulder’, or a recent injury—and almost immediately, someone chimes in with, “Oh, I’ve had that!” . It’s a well-intentioned phrase, often followed by advice on what worked for them, a miracle stretch they swear by, or a tale of their own recovery (or lack thereof). It’s a very human response—we want to empathise, to connect through shared experience - but when it comes to pain and injury, the “I’ve had that” response can sometimes do more harm than good.

Pain is Personal

While two people might use the same words—Sciatica, frozen shoulder, Osteoarthritis —their actual experiences can be worlds apart. Pain is not just a physical sensation. It’s shaped by our past experiences, overall health, stress levels, movement habits, lifestyles, and even how we think and feel about our bodies.

So while your friend/colleague/family member/person chatting to you on public transport might genuinely believe their go-to stretch will sort you right out, what helped them may not be what you need. In fact, it might even aggravate things.

The Limits of Shared Stories

There’s comfort in shared stories. Knowing someone else has “been there” can feel reassuring. But the danger lies in assuming sameness where there is none. Just because someone else’s injury had a particular cause or responded to a specific treatment doesn’t mean yours will too. We all move differently, heal differently, and carry our own unique histories—both physical and emotional.

That’s why taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach to managing pain or injury can be limiting, or even counterproductive.

The Osteopathic Approach: You, Not Just Your Injury

As Osteopaths, we understand the importance of treating the individual, not just the condition. We don’t just look at the site of pain—we look at you. Your movement patterns, your abilities, your medical history, lifestyle, and even how you describe your pain all matter.

Two people might walk in with what seems like “the same” issue, but they’ll often leave with very different treatment and management plans. That’s because your body tells a unique story, and our job is to listen carefully and respond accordingly.

Whether through hands-on techniques, movement advice, rehabilitation exercises, or lifestyle guidance, our goal is always to support your recovery, in your context.

So Next Time...

If someone tells you about their injury or pain, by all means connect, empathise, and offer support—but maybe hold back from the “Oh, I’ve had that!” … chances are your experience, though valid, won’t be the same as theirs. And that’s okay.

Let’s celebrate empathy while still respecting the individuality of pain and the deeply personal journey of recovery.