dr. oscar wille

Pain is of course a fact of life, and can provide important information that allows us to know when it is time to seek safety and rest. It can teach us what to fear and what to avoid. It guides us to do what we need to do in order to heal from injury or illness. But, in life we also learn that sometimes it is only by pushing through pain and fear that we can experience our greatest pleasures. In fact, it is only because of the contrast provided by pain that we can experience pleasure at all. This pleasure/pain balance is an essential part of life: it is what moves us to act, and rewards us when we do. But, aren’t pain doctors supposed to view pain as the enemy, and get rid of it wherever and whenever they can? 

This is not what I believe, and actually is not possible or even desirable. To remove all pain would be to remove our motivation to seek pleasure! Furthermore, quieting the pains that need to be listened to would make it impossible for us to look out for our own safety and wellbeing. 

So, this is the great challenge in the field of pain management: determining when pain has a valuable meaning or lesson to teach, and when it has gone beyond serving that function… when we should avoid painful activities and rest, when we should cover up the pain to allow for some activity, and when it is best to courageously push through the pain for maximum long-term benefit and ultimate pleasure. There is a time and a purpose for each of these approaches; and it is my goal and passion to help my patients sort through all of this, and navigate a path over, under, around, or through their pain to become their most productive selves and get the most out of their lives.

 Outside of medicine, Dr. Wille’s interests include being active, being outdoors, spending time with family including his two dogs, and cheering for our local sports teams: the Bucks, Packers, Brewers, and Badgers.