Physical therapy helps those who suffer injury, long-term health problems, or diseases affecting the muscles, bones, ligaments or tendons to restore function, improve mobility, and manage chronic pain
Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
Physical therapy for chronic pain management
1. Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain
Management
Physical therapy helps those who suffer injury, long-term health
problems, or diseases affecting the muscles, bones, ligaments or
tendons to restore function, improve mobility, and manage
chronic pain
Many people experience chronic and debilitating pain in their
back, knees or joints due to several
underlying causes. Incorrect posture,
muscle strain, bones, nerves pathology,
disease/injury to the muscles and heavy
or strenuous work can cause acute pain
and affect mobility and function.
Untreated, acute pain can become
chronic. Physical therapy is considered
ideal for chronic pain management and helps restore function,
mobility and quality of life.
A physical therapist can provide solutions to manage chronic
pain related to
• Swelling of joints
• Sports or work related injuries
• Neck, back and knees
• Muscle or joint disorders
2. • Deconditioning
• Multiple sclerosis
• Balance impairments
• Posture deviations
• Hip or shoulder pain
• Frequent falls
• Fractures
• Arthritis
Treatment Options
Physical therapy treatment at a reliable, professional healthcare
center with qualified and experienced physical therapists would
ensure individualized treatment plans. As each patient may
respond to the therapy differently, physicians diagnose the
specific condition before deciding on the treatment. Based on
the medical condition and the degree of pain, the therapist will
recommend the appropriate treatment program. The major
physical therapy treatment methodologies include
• Myofascial Release – This method is suitable for people
with soft tissue problems and involves stretching of the
fascia (a tissue that covers all muscles and fibers within a
muscle).
3. • Ultrasound – A kind of heat treatment that utilizes high
frequency sound waves for healing and reduces
inflammation and swelling. It helps in repairing soft tissues
damage and for healing painful conditions as well.
• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) -
Electrical signals to the injured muscle help stimulate
reaction and development. The heat generated by this
electrical current helps relieve acute and chronic pain.
• Exercises – Exercises can help improve a patient’s
strength, mobility and range of motion and enhance the
patient’s functional and mobile independence. These
include stretching, weight lifting, aerobic and isometric
exercises.
Other treatment methods include manual therapy, chiropractic,
cervical traction, and hot therapies and cold therapies. Regular
therapeutic exercise will strengthen and improve flexibility of
the muscles and joints. With treatment under the supervision of
a trained physical therapist, patients can manage chronic pain,
regain mobility of their joints, achieve flexibility and balance,
and improve overall health and fitness.