If a patient undergoing physical therapy reports increased pain despite tissue healing based on MRI evidence, which mechanism explains this amplified pain perception?

💡 Explanation

Persistent nociceptor input, even after tissue healing, can lead to central sensitization. Because the spinal cord and brain become hyperexcitable, normal stimuli are perceived as painful. Therefore, the patient experiences amplified pain, rather than pain reduction due to decreased inflammation or altered neurotransmitter levels.

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