PT as a Pain Management Tool
When you’re experiencing chronic or regular pain, just the thought of moving can make you wince. You may think that staying immobile, with ice or a heating pad and an anti-inflammatory, is the best strategy for relief. To the contrary, though, engaging in physical therapy or exercise may actually be one of the most effective ways to treat your pain.
Physical therapy can provide relief from a variety of conditions, not limited to muscle or joint pain. The right type of PT program can minimize the impact of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and even persistent headaches. Physical therapists may employ a range of treatment methods, including:
- Exercise and movement therapy
- Manipulation of bones and joints (often a source of recurrent pain)
- Massage therapy (to relax muscles and connective tissue)
- Cold laser therapy to treat inflammation and release endorphins, the body’s natural form of pain treatment
- Electrical/micro-current stimulation, which also causes the body to release natural painkillers, such as dopamine and serotonin
Why PT Helps Alleviate Chronic Pain
An effective physical therapy regimen—typically 3-4 days a week, a half an hour a day—helps reduce chronic pain by increasing flexibility, maximizing stability in your joints, building your muscle strength and improving your endurance. More specifically, PT can reduce inflammation, a frequent source of chronic pain. Research also indicates that physical movement naturally stimulates the body’s built-in healing and pain-relieving mechanisms. It may seem counter-intuitive, but when you are suffering chronic pain, the less you move your body, the more pain you’ll typically experience…and the more you move, the less pain you’ll feel.
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Take action today to maximize your health after any type of back injury or trauma. Contact us by phone at 1-877-487-8289 or complete the form provided below to arrange a visit. We offer a number of convenient locations throughout Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio.