Do you have chronic pain? If so, you’re not alone! In reality, you’re in the company of at least 20% of the United States population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chronic pain is more common than you realize, and it keeps many people from living their normal lives.
At our physical therapy clinic, we work with people every day who are dealing with the physical and mental effects of chronic pain caused by conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. If your joints are stiff, achy, or causing you constant pain, we invite you to reach out today and schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists. We’ll have you feeling better in no time at all, without the use of harmful medications or expensive surgeries.
Why should I choose physical therapy?
In short, you should choose physical therapy for the simple reason that you don’t deserve to spend every day in pain! However, we understand that many of you might desire a more thorough explanation of the benefits of physical therapy.
Here are three reasons to work with a physical therapist for your chronic pain and/or achy joints:
1. Physical therapy is completely natural.
Did you know that the CDC and other professional organizations officially recognize physical therapy as a safe alternative to pain-relieving medications like opioids? Physical therapy is safe, effective, and 100% holistic. It has been proven through research studies to be effective for alleviating chronic joint pain and may even help you cut down on taking pain medication (with your doctor’s supervision, of course).
Physical therapists utilize several pain-relieving techniques and non-invasive modalities such as electrical stimulation, diathermy, or ultrasound. These modalities can alleviate spasms and naturally block pain signals. This kind of short-term pain relief is valuable because it helps you participate in rehabilitation exercises and also get better quality of sleep, which we know is important for overall health and stress relief!
Physical therapy isn’t only useful for short-term pain relief, however.
2. Physical therapy offers pain solutions, not just symptom management.
Physical therapists do more than just focus on alleviating your joint pain and stiffness. They also know how to use a variety of individually tailored techniques and services that can address the root causes of your joint pains. This can help you in the long-term to avoid or minimize daily pain, disease progression, and also prevent your joint problem from getting worse in the future.
Examples of physical therapy treatment methods for joint pain include:
- Prescription and fitting of custom orthoses, braces, and other devices to support, compensate for, and/or alleviate pressure on your affected joints
- Therapeutic exercises and stretches to correct strength or mobility imbalances, promote tissue healing, and improve overall joint function and stability
- Neuromuscular education techniques to improve your balance and reduce the risk of falls, which may otherwise exacerbate your pain
- Manual techniques like joint mobilizations and massage to improve joint alignment, reduce swelling and stiffness, and break up painful adhesions
3. Physical therapists can empower you to reach your goals.
By teaching you exercises, mindfulness techniques, lifestyle modifications, breathing techniques, and safer ways to function in your daily life, your therapist can empower you to prevent recurring issues and optimize your overall health.
When you work with a physical therapist, he or she becomes a partner in your healing and health. As you experience less pain, gain greater strength, and improved function, you’ll also develop more independence. This will allow you to do more things on your own, and if you have a caregiver, it will provide them with support and peace of mind as well.
What should I expect at physical therapy appointments?
At your first physical therapy appointment, your therapist will do a full assessment of your condition to find your pain points and measure your current range of motion. They may ask you questions about your medical history and how long you’ve been experiencing your symptoms. Then they’ll get to work creating a customized treatment plan for your condition.
Your physical therapy treatments will be split into two categories: passive and active. Passive physical therapy treatments for back and neck pain may include ice and heat therapies, massage therapy, electrotherapy, or ultrasound. These help in relieving pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Active physical therapy treatments for back and neck pain may include any stretches and exercises that our physical therapist deems fit for your specific condition. Active therapy helps to increase strength and flexibility, in addition to relieving pain in the spine and affected muscles.
Contact our practice to schedule an appointment
You deserve to live a normal life without limitations. Is it time to see what physical therapy can do for your chronic pain? Contact Lake County Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment and get on the road to a life free from pain. Before you know it, your days of saying no to things you enjoy due to fear of experiencing pain will be over!
Source:
- https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6736a2.htm
- https://www.choosept.com/choose-physical-therapy-over-opioids-for-pain-management-choosept
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