What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain affects the lives of millions of people around the world. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and last for weeks, months, or even years. Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and back injuries.
In many cases, there is no cure for chronic pain, and it must be managed through lifestyle changes such as dieting, exercise, physical therapy, and medications. People who suffer from chronic pain often experience fatigue, depression, difficulty sleeping, and an overall decreased quality of life. Managing chronic pain can be difficult since treatments are not always effective or may have side effects that can further limit mobility or function.
It is important to find ways to manage chronic pain so that those suffering can live their lives spending more time doing the things that they love. Physical therapy can provide people with chronic pain a holistic treatment opportunity that helps them to decrease their pain while they enjoy their life.
Since chronic pain can be debilitating and exhausting, both mentally and physically it can take a toll on the quality of life. It is more difficult to do simple everyday tasks and additional intervention is often needed to maintain independence. Physical therapy provides hope for those suffering from chronic pain and has been proven to help with pain management.
Additionally, physical therapy can change the trajectory for patients beyond treatment by providing them with tools to manage their own health and wellness. Activities such as stretching, strengthening exercises, massage techniques, heat/cold therapies, and more, help to not only reduce current levels of pain but also prevent future discomfort or injury. Physical therapy can be an invaluable tool in managing chronic pain while helping people get back on track toward living a happier life.
Chronic Pain Symptoms
There are many types of chronic pain that people suffer from. Some of the most prominent symptoms of chronic pain may include persistent aches or stiffness in the muscles or joints, localized tenderness or soreness, increased sensitivity to touch or pressure, numbness or tingling, difficulty sleeping due to discomfort, fatigue, headaches, and depression. It is important to recognize the signs of chronic pain as early as possible so that appropriate treatment can begin. Consult a doctor to help with symptom management and create an effective treatment plan.
People who suffer from chronic pain may find that even the simplest of tasks become difficult to complete due to their condition. This can leave people unable to do the things that they love and enjoy. Everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, exercising, and socializing are often affected by chronic pain.
Chronic pain can also cause mental and emotional suffering. People with chronic pain may feel isolated from their family and friends as they struggle with mobility issues or depression caused by the constant pain they experience. Additionally, they may have difficulty sleeping which exacerbates how much energy is available for daily activities. However, physical therapy can provide physical relief while giving people the confidence needed to help them get back to the things that they love!
Are You Experiencing Acute or Chronic Pain?
When suffering from pain, there are two different types which can vary in intensity from mild to severe. Acute pain is usually caused by a specific, identifiable source and is generally considered more treatable than chronic pain.
Diagnosing chronic pain is more difficult as it may be rooted in deeper problems that are harder to pinpoint. Both types of pain can have a tremendous impact on one's quality of life and can prevent people from living life to the fullest. With the right help and support, those who are experiencing pain can learn how to effectively manage their symptoms.
Physical Therapy Can Help Manage Your Chronic Pain
Physical therapists are experts in exercise science and functional movement. They work to improve motion and reduce pain by teaching proper body mechanics, tailored exercises, providing manual techniques such as massage or joint mobilization, and using modalities like heat or cold therapy. Physical therapists can help design an individualized treatment plan that addresses the physical needs of those suffering from chronic pain.
Typical Physical Therapy Treatment For Chronic Pain
Physical therapy programs use a variety of stretching techniques and exercises designed to target specific areas of the body affected by pain. These stretches help increase flexibility in muscles and joints, reduce muscular tension, and provide relief from soreness or stiffness. Practicing these physical therapy stretching programs regularly can help people with chronic pain regain strength and mobility while reducing their overall discomfort.
Additionally, studies have shown that strengthening exercises increases muscle strength and endurance while decreasing joint stiffness and discomfort. These activities help decrease inflammation which is often a contributing factor to chronic pain. By improving posture and balance, people with chronic pain may find improved mobility and increased independence in daily tasks.
Benefits of Personalized Physical Therapy Treatment
When beginning physical therapy for chronic pain, it is important to have a therapy program designed specifically for you. Individualized programs are designed to help manage your pain and allow you to continue your daily routines with minimal disruption. These programs are tailored to consider the diagnosis, age, fitness level, medical history, and more.
Those suffering from chronic pain can potentially find relief without solely relying on medications or invasive treatments such as surgery. The goal of physical therapy is not only to reduce the intensity of pain but also to improve mobility and function for individuals to participate in activities they enjoy. Using a combination of therapeutic exercises and stretches along with lifestyle modifications such as good postural habits, those suffering from chronic pain may and once again lead active lives.
One-on-One Treatment Method
FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers specializes in one-on-one personalized treatments. This enables the patient to work directly with a physical therapist, who can provide tailored exercises and advice specifically designed to meet each individual’s needs. The focus on individualized care ensures that each patient receives the most effective treatment plan for their condition or injury. This can lead to more successful results compared to traditional group-based treatments. This direct contact between patient and therapist helps build trust and rapport, making it easier for patients to stay motivated during their recovery process.
During one-on-one treatment, exercises may include stretching movements that increase flexibility and range of motion, strengthening exercises that promote muscular stability, or aerobic activities that improve cardiovascular health and endurance. Treatment may also include balance training for improved postural control and coordination, foam rolling for myofascial release from tight muscles or trigger points, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) for muscle activation patterns associated with motor control deficits caused by injury or disuse atrophy. These exercises will help people suffering from chronic pain regain strength and function while reducing the intensity of their symptoms.
Balance Therapy’s Role in Chronic Pain Management
There are various exercises that physical therapists use in the management of chronic pain. Balance exercises can help improve an individual's stability, posture, and coordination and reduce their risk of injuries. Commonly recommended balance exercises include single-leg stands, calf raises, heel-to-toe walks, hip bridges, and side planks.
Single-leg stands help strengthen the muscles around the ankles and hips that stabilize an individual when walking or running. Calf raises help increase strength in the feet and calves while also helping to improve overall balance. Heel-to-toe walks are helpful for improving coordination, as they require a person to move one foot directly in front of the other in a straight line while maintaining their balance. Hip bridges are used to strengthen pelvic floor muscles which can strengthen the lower back and help prevent injuries. Side planks can be used to target core muscles while also strengthening one’s ability to stay balanced on a limited surface area.
Direct Access to Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be a game-changing treatment for those who suffer from chronic pain. Historically, a patient's access to these physical therapy services may have been limited due to factors such as insurance coverage or cost. However, our state is a 'Direct Access' state for physical therapy services. This provides patients with disorders, like chronic pain, the accessibility to much-needed treatments in a timely and convenient matter.
Chronic Pain Can Impact Mental Health
Chronic pain can have a major impact on mental health, leading to feelings of depression and anxiety. It can also lead to cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Fortunately, there are many treatments available that can help alleviate chronic pain symptoms for holistic benefits. With the right combination of treatments tailored to an individual's needs and lifestyle changes such as stress management and healthy nutrition habits, it is possible to manage chronic pain in an effective way.
Additional Ways to Manage Chronic Pain
Participating in meaningful activities, using moderation, pacing yourself, and staying connected to your support system are all important for managing chronic pain. Exercising regularly releases endorphins that help reduce pain naturally. Setting realistic goals helps you pace yourself throughout the day so that you don’t overdo it. Finally, having a support system is essential for getting through tough times with chronic pain. With these strategies in place, managing chronic pain can become much easier.
FYZICAL Can Help
FYZICAL offers a comprehensive approach to managing chronic pain. Our physical therapists are highly trained in techniques for treating chronic pain, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise programs, and patient education on how to reduce or manage their symptoms.
We also provide balance training and gait analysis services that can help patients regain their mobility. Our goal is to not only alleviate the current symptoms of chronic pain but also prevent future episodes from occurring by helping our patients develop better body mechanics and postural habits. With our personalized treatment plans tailored specifically for each individual’s needs, we strive to give every patient the best care possible so they can get back to living life with less pain!
Resources:
https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/types-of-pain/chronic/
https://southernpainclinic.com/blog/the-difference-between-the-types-of-pain-acute-vs-chronic/