You know how limiting pain can be if you have been living with it for some time. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts three months or longer and it usually indicates the presence of an underlying illness that requires treatment.
While medicine can help to conceal discomfort in the short term, it will not provide long-term relief! Medication can also pose potential health threats as well, such as addiction and even death in some cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), non-pharmaceutical pain treatment is actually preferred over pharmaceutical pain treatment, and in most cases, they even do a better job at controlling pain.
If you are looking for a natural and effective method of treatment that will relieve your pain at its root, contact Integrated Physical Therapy today!
The difference between acute and chronic pain
The cause of acute pain is typically easily determined, especially if it is the result of an automobile accident, a sport or work injury, or a surgical operation. With acute pain, the discomfort generally fades as the affected part of the body heals.
However, chronic pain is a bit different. Sometimes it can be hard to determine the true source of chronic pain. Discomfort can linger for months or even years before the reason is diagnosed and relief is found.
Chronic pain may be the result of:
- Lack of use, such as a lengthy recovery period after a procedure, can cause the affected area to feel stiff or “frozen.”
- General muscle weakness, due to poor posture or an unbalanced body, can cause knots or spasms.
- Chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia, may affect nerves and muscles.
- Chronic overuse injuries, such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Internal scar tissue buildup can restrict neighboring muscles and connective tissues.
- Degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, produce chronic pain and inflammation.
The unfortunate truth is that oftentimes, modern medicine tends to turn to drugs early in treatment in an effort to alleviate pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, this approach doesn’t always work in the long run. The drugs may mute the pain while they’re in your system, but the underlying problem that’s causing the pain remains untreated.
Your long-term pain will endure as long as that untreated condition does, which means an endless cycle of pain and popping open pill bottles. As your pain worsens, you may be forced to take additional medicine, which can be troublesome because some medications have harmful side effects and addictive ingredients.
How will physical therapy help manage my pain?
Physical therapy is without a doubt the most effective and secure form of pain management. When you come in for your first session, your physical therapist will perform a thorough examination to evaluate your ailment and create a treatment plan for you.
Treatment plans include targeted stretches and exercises, in addition to any of the following methods:
- Ultrasound therapy enhances blood flow and relaxes tight muscle fibers through sound waves.
- Electrical muscle stimulation technology works to stimulate your body’s natural painkillers (endorphins) through tiny amounts of electrical current.
- Ice and heat therapies to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Manual therapy to decrease inflammation of your internal tissues.
Your Physical therapist will be the one to decide which forms of therapy treatment best fit into your program. Everyone’s treatment varies depending on what their pain condition is like and what symptoms they are experiencing. You can expect your treatment plan to ebb and flow depending on your progress, with the ultimate outcome being less pain and discomfort for you!
Ready to receive natural pain relief?
Your treatment plan will address both localized pain and referred pain issues. Physical therapy treats pain where it originates, rather than simply masking the symptoms as painkillers do.
Avoid the risk of pain management drugs by calling Integrated Physical Therapy– we’ll help you relieve your pain the natural way!
