Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain: What to Expect
When you have chronic pain (sometimes referred to as long-term pain) or an accident, physical therapy is frequently one of your best options. You may get stronger, more mobile, and more buoyant as a result.
Request a physical therapist referral from your doctor. The best improvements are likely to come from a series of appointments, and you should perform some of the exercises at home.
Physical therapists have extensive education. Asking them about their expertise in working with individuals who have experienced problems similar to yours is still a smart idea. You can also inquire about the required number of sessions.
How is pain managed by physical therapy?
Physical therapists are experts at both treating and identifying the cause of pain. Your therapist will look for any stiffness or weak places that may be putting strain on the uncomfortable spots. And they will use specific workouts to address certain areas in order to reduce discomfort and improve your mobility.
During a physical therapy session, you might do a combination of:
- Low-impact aerobic training: These exercises will increase your heart rate while being gentle on your joints. Instead of running before performing your strengthening activities, you can choose to warm up instead by taking brisk walks or riding a stationary bike.
- Strengthening exercises: Resistance bands, equipment at your physical therapist’s office, or your own body weight are all options (think lunges, squats, and pushups). Along with other body areas, you can exercise the muscles in your back, glutes, and midsection.
- Pain relief exercises: These exercises target the painful areas, making you stronger and more flexible, which should make daily life better.
- Stretching: Your therapist will make sure you’re warmed up and don’t stretch too much during this mild exercise.
What more could I do?
Your therapist might also apply the following techniques during your sessions:
- Ice and heat packs: Ice reduces swelling. Your muscles become more mobile as a result of the heat. Both are capable of alleviating pain.
- Massage: Remember that a massage may not feel soothing if it is performed on uncomfortable, inflamed, or painful areas. To make sure it’s secure and beneficial for you, though, your therapist will exercise extreme caution. Inform the practitioner of your pain before the session begins if you receive one from someone other than the therapist.
- Ultrasound and TENS: TENS employs a device to provide a low-voltage electric current to the skin over the painful area. TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The hurting areas get sound waves from ultrasound. Both may provide relief by preventing your brain from receiving pain signals.
Does It Hurt?
Physical treatment should be painless and secure. Physical treatment, however, might be difficult or more difficult because you will be using portions of your body that are wounded or have chronic discomfort.
For instance, you can experience soreness following deep tissue massage or stretching.
There is a cause behind that, though. A customized strategy is in mind by your therapist based on your unique demands. You occasionally need to put in some challenging training to get stronger. You will be pushed, but not excessively.
Therapy may have various effects on different people. Your plan is impacted by your body type, routine, alignment, and habits. If you persevere, you’ll reap the rewards.
