I could not see behind me, and therefore I was unable to calculate the expectation of when or where the stroke would be applied, nor be able to gauge its likely force.
There have been some suggestions that I found that surprising in the Medical Press this week. It is said that if you look away as you are pricked with a needle, which I have always done when I have had injections or blood tests, it hurts more than if you watch the needle going in. If it is true, perhaps seeing the cane hit your hand makes it hurt less?