Does Physical Therapy Really Work To Relieve Chronic Pain?
Lacey Have you been dealing with chronic pain, and are considering physical therapy as an option? Physical therapy is a great way to minimize pain and discomfort—including chronic or long-term pain. Physical therapists work within your pain threshold to help you heal, restore movement, and improve function. But what does physical therapy actually do? Let’s explore how physical therapy can help you manage and relieve chronic pain.
How Does Physical Therapy Work?
Physical therapists use various techniques to promote healing in the body. The type of technique used depends on the source of the pain and the patient’s individual needs. Some common techniques that physical therapists may use include manual manipulation (stretching), massage, heat/cold treatments, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, laser therapy, stabilization exercises, joint mobilization/manipulation, postural re-education, aquatic therapy and more. A physical therapist will develop an individualized plan for each patient to address his or her specific needs and goals.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain
The primary benefit of physical therapy is that it helps reduce pain by treating the underlying cause. It also improves mobility and flexibility, which can reduce stiffness and make daily activities easier. Physical therapy also helps strengthen muscles around joints to provide better support and stability. This can help prevent further injury from occurring in the future. Additionally, physical therapy can help decrease inflammation by increasing blood flow to affected areas through exercises such as stretching or massage. This increases oxygen delivery to muscle tissue which aids in healing processes throughout the body.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, there are many benefits to seeking out professional physical therapy treatment. Whether your goal is reducing inflammation or improving range of motion in a specific area of your body—a trained professional can help you create an individualized plan that works best for you! With regular visits to a qualified therapist combined with at-home care such as stretching or other exercises prescribed by your therapist—you can begin alleviating chronic pain while restoring movement and function!