A technique that helps me is breathing out "into" the pain and totally immersing myself in it. Over a long period of time I learned to breathe out and slowly relax into it, gradually allowing myself to feel it all. Once I felt it all, the guarding mechanism released and I started to make progress.

My spouse used to try and gently massage the affected area and I couldn't take it without hitting the roof. So I started self directed, where at least I had some control over it. Mirror therapy was a big help here. Seeing my foot in the mirror as if it were 100% normal really calmed my nervous system.