By Aleisha Theisen, PTA and NBC-HWC
Do certain movements make you wince? Are you finding yourself skipping your favorite activities because of pain? If so, you’re not alone. 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five adults in the U.S. suffered from chronic pain in 2021. Whether stemming from arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other disorders, chronic pain can impede mobility and diminish one's well-being. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Through physical therapy and massage therapy, our providers at FYZICAL-Forest Grove offer a multidimensional approach. They can help chronic pain sufferers reduce their discomfort, improve their range of motion, regain strength and get back to activities that are important to them.
As May marks Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, it's also the perfect time to explore how physical therapy is beneficial for patients with this condition.
PT And Chronic Pain
Physical therapy, provided by our skilled team at FYZICAL-Forest Grove, can help restore strength, flexibility, confidence and agility through tailored exercises and therapeutic techniques. 
Each patient is evaluated and treated with a customized plan that is unique to their needs and goals. By targeting specific muscle groups and improving joint function, physical therapy improves pain and performance. Through the exercises, manual therapy, and patient education, our PTs empower patients with chronic pain to take an active role in their recovery. This builds long-term resilience.
The types of pain our physical therapists treat include:
Chronic pain can be influenced by other factors, such as stress, sleep changes, and diet. The physical therapist might recommend the patient also work with a specialist in one of these areas if it appears it’s a contributing factor to their pain, so they can have a holistic approach to their care.
Massage therapy complements the objectives of physical therapy for chronic pain patients by targeting soft tissue and promoting relaxation. It not only relieves tension and pain but also stimulates circulation, facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles and connective tissues. You can read more about the benefits of massage — including how it can support the immune system and reduce stress — in this previous blog post.
Boosting Bone Health And Safety
Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive strategies to prevent fractures and maintain bone health. Our physical therapists can create treatment plans to improve balance, posture, and bone density, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.
Central to the management of osteoporosis is the concept of "weight-bearing" exercises, which stimulate bone formation and strengthen skeletal structures. Our PTs use a variety of these exercises, such as walking, stair climbing, and resistance training, tailored to each patient’s level of mobility and tolerance. By gradually increasing the intensity and duration, patients can enhance bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.
In addition to exercise, physical therapists provide guidance on fall-prevention strategies and lifestyle modifications. From home safety tips to education on proper body mechanics, these interventions empower people with osteoporosis to navigate daily life with confidence and resilience.
Whether you have been dealing with a nagging pain that is starting to limit your daily activities, or you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and want to be proactive about keeping your body strong and healthy, the skilled team at FYZICAL-Forest Grove is ready to help you meet your goals. Call us at 503-357-1706 to schedule an evaluation.
Aleisha Theisen is a physical therapist assistant and a board-certified health and wellness coach.
Disclaimer: This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Sources
Van Hecke O, Torrance N, Smith BH. Chronic pain epidemiology - where do lifestyle factors fit in? Br J Pain. 2013 Nov;7(4):209-17. doi: 10.1177/2049463713493264. PMID: 26516524; PMCID: PMC4590163.
Rikard SM, Strahan AE, Schmit KM, Guy GP Jr.. Chronic Pain Among Adults — United States, 2019–2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:379–385.
Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain: What to Expect. Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors. Medically Reviewed by Tyler Wheeler, MD on December 18, 2022. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/physical-therapy
Physical Therapy Guide to Osteoporosis, by Mary Saloka Morrison
PT, DScPT, MHS. Expert Review: Mar 28, 2018. https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-osteoporosis