Chronic pain is a global problem: it affects more than 1 billion people in the world. When an injury occurs, pain signals are sent from the injured area along the spinal cord to the brain. As the injury begins to heal, pain usually becomes less severe. However, chronic pain is different. The body continues to send pain signals to the brain, even if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last several weeks to several years. It limits mobility and makes it very challenging to get through daily tasks and participate in normal activities. Chronic pain may feel dull or sharp, and may be steady or intermittent. In addition, it can occur in any part of the body which makes chronic pain relief a prime concern for those who are suffering.
Common types of chronic pain include lower back pain, arthritis pain and neurogenic pain. Many medical professionals believe that chronic pain develops from damaged nerves. This may be the result of an injury, such as a pulled muscle or back sprain.
Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain
Since chronic pain comes in many forms, it’s important that a treatment plan is personalized. The physical therapist will do a comprehensive exam to assess the root cause of chronic pain. Using that information, the physical therapist will customize a customized therapy plan. Physical therapy services are comprised of passive and active treatments. Active treatment includes therapeutic exercises, meanwhile patients do not actively participate in passive treatment.
Examples of passive treatment include deep tissue massage, hot and cold treatment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound. With deep tissue massage, the physical therapist uses direct pressure to release tension in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Physical therapists also alternate between hot and cold therapies. With heat therapy, more blood and oxygen are brought to the affected area. With cold therapy, inflammation and muscle spasms are reduced. TENS stimulates the muscles and increases endorphins to reduce pain. Ultrasound increases blood circulation and reduces chronic pain. Passive therapies are usually done hand-in-hand with active therapies.
In addition, physical therapists teach patients how to incorporate ergonomic principles into daily life. They may also recommend a personalized home exercise program as part of pain management. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain, and to increase strength flexibility gradually. It is also intended to manage pain, sustain long-term recovery and prevent the future recurrence of pain.
A physical therapist works closely with the patient in setting goals. Patients and physical therapists work out a goal-setting chart for activities, record progress, and note any difficulties. This way, progress can be monitored and changes can be made when necessary. Physical therapists incorporate behavioral and cognitive principles into rehabilitation for chronic pain, as well, making physical therapy a collaborative approach to chronic pain.