Chronic pain lasts over three months and can be caused by various conditions, including injuries, illnesses, and medical treatments. Physical therapy aims to reduce chronic pain, improve function, and prevent disability. Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for chronic pain.
Musculoskeletal or neuromuscular issues are often the source of chronic pain. Physical therapy is unique in healthcare because it focuses on these underlying causes. Physical therapists can improve joint mobility, muscle strength, and overall flexibility through tailored exercises, manual techniques, and modalities such as heat or ice therapy.
This targeted approach helps alleviate pain by reducing stress on affected areas and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes. Additionally, physical therapists educate patients on proper body mechanics and ergonomics, enabling them to prevent further injury and manage their pain more effectively in the long term. Physical therapy offers a holistic and non-invasive solution for chronic pain management, promoting improved function, reduced discomfort, and enhanced quality of life.
How Physical Therapy Can Help with Pain
Here are some ways physical therapy can help with chronic pain:
Creating an Exercise Plan
Physical therapists can create an exercise program tailored to your needs and abilities. This can include stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercises to improve your fitness and reduce pain.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves massage, mobilization, and manipulation to reduce pain and improve function. Certain muscle groups, especially where the neck and back of the head meet, respond very well to massage therapy and can quickly stop chronic pain. With the right physical therapist, manual therapy can control pain in the long term.
Education
Physical therapists can also teach you about pain management strategies like relaxation techniques, proper body mechanics, and pacing activities to prevent overexertion. This is where physical therapy is the best value for long-term health. Learning the right way to sit, move, or exert your body often gets back to the very source of the problem, creating long-term solutions that can keep you pain-free.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if physical therapy is appropriate for your condition. For more information about how physical therapy can help you, contact STARS Physical Therapy by clicking on the link below.
Links for Additional Information:
Information on Pain Management and physical therapy (WebMD Article)
