Discover Effective Chronic Pain Management Through Targeted Exercise
Living with chronic pain can be a debilitating experience, especially when it disrupts work, relationships, and the simple joys of everyday living. If you find yourself struggling with pain that refuses to quit, know that you are not alone. Chronic pain management can be found through the natural recovery process of physical therapy.
Understanding the cause of your chronic pain can help you find lasting relief.
Get to the Root of Your Chronic Pain
Acute pain is a direct signal from the body indicating something needs attention, like a strained muscle or a wound. Chronic pain, on the other hand, lingers even after typical healing time frames. In some cases, chronic pain can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, which can, in turn, make the pain feel even worse. This ongoing cycle can be exhausting, making the need for chronic pain management something that can no longer be put off.
Conditions Associated with the Onset of Chronic Pain
Arthritis
- This is a broad term encompassing over 100 diseases that affect joints. Two common forms are:
- Osteoarthritis: This “wear and tear” arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage, the cushioning material in joints. It can lead to bone-on-bone friction, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune condition causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and often joint deformity.
Injuries
- Pain can persist long after the natural healing process is complete. Possible causes include improper healing, leading to scar tissue, continued inflammation, or the development of altered pain signaling in the nervous system.
Fibromyalgia
- This condition is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, disruption of sleep patterns, and cognitive difficulties. While the exact cause is unknown, research suggests it may be related to the way the brain and spinal cord process.
Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
- Damage to nerves, whether from conditions like diabetes, injuries, or compression, can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, burning, tingling, and numbness.
Physical Therapy Techniques for Chronic Pain Relief
Our physical therapists are experts in musculoskeletal health and movement. We meticulously assess patients’ individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan to improve their function and minimize pain.
Techniques and Exercises
Understanding Your Pain
- Our physical therapists can help you understand the nature of your pain and the potential contributing factors. They will offer guidance on techniques for managing your pain and strategies for returning to your daily life.
Promote Healing
- We use manual therapy, a combination of hands-on techniques, to gently reduce pain and help increase blood flow to minimize inflammation, break up scar tissue, restore proper function and range of motion to joints, and promote healing.
Improving Your Movement Patterns
- Your physical therapist will analyze your functional movements to identify any unconscious habits that might be aggravating your pain. They will help you correct these patterns and promote more efficient movement without the pain.
Building Strength and Resilience
- Exercise can be helpful in managing chronic pain. Your therapist will design a tailored exercise program that gradually improves your strength, endurance, and overall movement capabilities.
If you are struggling with relentless pain, don’t give up hope. Physical therapy offers a natural, comprehensive, and empowering solution for chronic pain management.
Contact us today to schedule your first appointment. Let’s get started!
