The Role of Physical Therapy in Managing Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as persistent pain that usually lasts over three months. Whatever you do physically becomes painful. You could feel pain when walking, standing, and even sitting. While many people turn to pain relief medication, there are safe, drug-free, effective alternatives to have anyone feeling better.
If you find your daily activities plagued by chronic pain and annoying discomfort, Physical Therapy in Aurora, IL, will get you back on your feet and your health back on track. The best Physical Therapist in Aurora, IL, will create a customized plan of action to ensure pain relief and stabilization of the body so that you can keep moving without the need for medication.
What is Chronic Pain?
If you have been suffering from pain for over 3 months, then it is chronic. Chronic pain can occur for any number of reasons, including:
- Injuries that never healed properly over time (sprained ankles, fractures, etc.)
- Conditions like arthritis, which creates inflamed and painful joints
- Nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
- Conditions like fibromyalgia, which causes painful muscles all over the body
- Conditions like sciatica, which causes painful sensations in the lower back, legs, and buttocks
- Muscle disorders like herniated discs, which cause lower back pain or neck pain from prior injuries or bad posture
Chronic pain makes daily activities easier to accomplish. But with chronic pain treatment, all is eased and functionality returns with decreased symptoms.
How Physical Therapy Helps With Chronic Pain Relief
Many assume physical therapy can only help chronic pain after a surgery or an injury. However, it can also be a great resource in the preventive stage. A physical therapist in Aurora, IL can find out more about your symptoms and help you on your way to recovery with a custom treatment plan.
Some of the benefits of physical therapy for chronic pain include;
- Improved pain relief. There will be a reduced need for pain relievers.
- Increased flexibility. You get to move your limbs in more comfort while performing daily activities.
- Increased stabilization. Better stability around your muscles, joints, and bones, reduces fall risk
- Improved mental wellbeing. Following your exercise program can release endorphins, which can put you in a good mood.
Physical Therapy Techniques for Chronic Pain Relief
Although every technique is specific to the individual, here are some of the more typical physical therapy techniques:
1. Exercise Therapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises promote flexibility while fighting against stiffness. An Aurora, IL, physical therapy clinic will work with you on basic movements that relieve the issue at hand without further irritating it on a regular basis.
These exercises are usually easy to do and should not cause further injury. However, depending on your condition, you may start these exercises passively. In this case, your therapist will move your limbs. As your strength improves, you should be able to do the exercises on your own.
Furthermore, exercise therapy does not end with physical therapy sessions. Your therapist will create an at-home exercise plan for you and show you techniques for performing these exercises so you can get the most out of them.
2. Manual Therapy
A physical therapist may use their hands for therapeutic interventions, such as massage or joint mobilization, which can reduce stiffness, release tight muscles, and increase range of motion. Manual therapy also helps break up scar tissue, loosen tense muscles, and improve blood circulation to the painful area.
3. Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation promotes relaxation by addressing tense and painful regions. Your therapist will administer this treatment with a TENS unit that sends low-voltage currents to the skin's surface, allowing pain signals to bypass the brain, resulting in relaxation.
4. Body Mechanics
If you have a poor posture, additional stress is placed on the body, which can worsen chronic pain even further. A physical therapist will show you proper body mechanics while sitting, standing, and carrying out your daily activities.
Conditions That Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain Will Help
Physical therapy in Aurora, IL, can help several conditions that cause chronic pain. The treatment for these conditions differs. So, your treatment plan will be different from someone else’s even if they have the same condition and symptoms as you.
For instance, if you have arthritis, physical therapy aims to decrease joint stiffness and increase your range of motion. People with fibromyalgia may also benefit from gentle stretching and soothing techniques that eliminate muscle soreness.
Other chronic pain conditions that can benefit from physical therapy include;
- Lower back pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Neuropathy (nerve pain)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Migraines
- Herniated disk
What to Expect from Chronic Pain Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for chronic pain is a tailored treatment program that aims to address your specific needs. To do this, the treatment starts with a full evaluation. Your therapist will ask about your pain, medical history, and daily habits.
They will also perform physical examinations to assess your range of motion. You’ll perform simple exercises that can reveal movement restrictions, weaknesses, and joint positions.
Afterward, your therapist will create a treatment plan. The plan will include several treatment techniques that relieve pain and improve your strength.
A chronic pain physical therapy plan also involves continuous modification. Your therapist will modify your plan if necessary to help you achieve your treatment goals.
Conclusion
You shouldn't have to suffer from chronic pain—but that doesn't mean you have to suffer with it alone. Physical therapy in Aurora, IL, offers a safe and effective option for you to learn how to move better, feel more empowered, and live life with less discomfort. When you're ready to maintain your pain and regain your lost quality of life, reach out to a physical therapist in Aurora, IL. The only thing standing between you and overcoming chronic pain or finding your way back to a pain-free life is an educated physical therapist in Aurora, IL, who can provide a personalized strategy for you.