Chronic pain can be an incredibly debilitating condition, often causing tremendous physical and emotional suffering. It can interfere with the ability to work, participate in leisure activities, and enjoy a satisfying quality of life. For many people, chronic pain is a daily reality that has far-reaching impacts. It can impair one's sleep, reduce energy levels and productivity, and lead to feelings of sadness and depression. Even with chronic pain, physical therapy treatment can help you find relief.
At Performance UNLIMITED our physical therapy clinic is dedicated to providing the best care tailored to your specific needs to decrease pain and increase your quality of life. If you are suffering with chronic pain, physical therapy can help you regain control of your body and provide you with the relief you are searching for.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is a persistent condition that continues for months or even years. It is associated with a wide range of medical conditions such as arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, and more. Symptoms can include joint pain, muscle aches, numbness, burning sensations, and fatigue. The exact cause of chronic pain is often unknown; however, it can be caused by an underlying medical condition or injury.
It has been speculated that psychological factors may also play a role in chronic pain, as stress and depression have been seen to increase its severity. The intensity of chronic pain can range from mild to severe and its duration can last from weeks to decades; making it one of the most difficult health issues to effectively manage.
Evaluating Chronic Pain
A chronic pain evaluation includes a comprehensive assessment of medical history, lifestyle habits, and physical function. The evaluation process may begin with a detailed discussion of the individual’s current health status, including their objectives, any medical tests they have received, or treatments they have undergone in the past. This information helps to provide insight into the individual’s condition and allows the physical therapist to develop an understanding of any pre-existing conditions that could contribute to their chronic pain.
During the evaluation process, a physical therapist may also perform movement analyses such as range-of-motion tests and orthopedic evaluations in order to determine any impairments that could be contributing to the individual’s discomfort. An examination of posture as well as strength and balance assessments can also be used to help diagnose the source of chronic pain and create an effective treatment plan.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Chronic Pain
Physical therapy treatment can be an effective and helpful way to manage chronic pain. It provides a non-invasive, low-risk approach to alleviate discomfort and help patients reach their goals for recovery. Physical therapists are specially trained medical professionals who use exercise, manual techniques, and specialized equipment to develop individualized treatment plans that reduce pain and improve mobility. Through physiotherapy, the body is encouraged to move with greater freedom and less discomfort. This may include stretches, strengthening exercises, postural awareness activities, and other techniques designed to correct underlying causes of chronic pain as well as address its symptoms.
The goal of physical therapy is not only to reduce present pain but also to limit the chances of further flare-ups or long-term damage. With a combination of custom exercises targeting specific areas of concern, patients can expect improved physical functioning and quality of life overall.
What To Expect From Physical Therapy
Individuals who seek physical therapy for chronic pain can expect to receive an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Physical therapists may use a variety of techniques, such as exercises and manual mobilization or massage, to provide symptom relief and reduce overall discomfort. Additionally, physical therapists can educate patients about proper body mechanics and lifestyle modifications that may reduce pain or prevent further injury or disability.
Depending on the diagnosis, a patient may receive electrical stimulation treatments, cold laser therapy, or ultrasound in addition to therapeutic exercises. Through physical therapy, patients can expect improved mobility, strength, balance, and coordination while learning how to properly manage any limitations presented by their chronic pain. With the guidance of a trained physical therapist, individuals suffering from chronic pain can work toward improving their quality of life.
What Is The Long-Term Goal of Physical Therapy?
The long-term goal of physical therapy is to provide patients with tools and strategies that allow them to effectively manage their chronic pain on their own. Physical therapists can help individuals suffering from chronic pain develop self-care skills, strength, and mobility which will enable them to better cope with their diagnosis over the long term. Through education and practical exercises, a physical therapist can teach a patient how to improve posture and body mechanics, increase flexibility and range of motion, build endurance and tolerance for activities, reduce stress levels, promote healthy sleeping patterns as well as proper breathing techniques.
Overall, the goal of physical therapy is to not only provide immediate chronic pain relief, but empower individuals to live a more active lifestyle while feeling confident in their ability to manage any discomfort they may experience over time.
While chronic pain can be debilitating, there are ways to control and manage pain through physical therapy and rehabilitation. If you are struggling with chronic pain or are interested in physical therapy, contact our team of highly-trained licensed physical therapists at Performance UNLIMITED or schedule an appointment directly online today.
