How Does Physical Therapy Treat Chronic Pain?

Physical therapy is a type of medical treatment that employs the use of low-impact exercises and stretches to help heal the body. Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed health care professionals who specialize in administering physical therapy to reduce pain and restoring function. They also examine each individual and develop a custom care plan. Each plan incorporates techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent disability.

Physical therapy is a fantastic treatment option for those suffering from acute or persistent pain. In some cases, physical therapy is an adequate treatment on its own, while in others it is administered as an important part of a more comprehensive care plan.

When treating chronic pain conditions, physical therapists will generally collaborate with pain management practitioners to coordinate a plan of care that includes physical therapy and interventional pain management.

Forms of Physical Therapy

Low-impact aerobic training

Aerobic exercises are rhythmic, repetitive physical activities that increase your heart rate to promote good cardiovascular and overall health. During aerobic exercises, your breathing controls the amount of oxygen that reaches your muscles to help you burn energy and move. Low-impact aerobic exercises are ideal for chronic pain patients as they get the heart pumping while minimizing stress to the joints. Examples of low-impact aerobic exercise includes walking, cycling, swimming, and running on cardio machines like ellipticals.

Strengthening exercises

Strength training employs activities that make muscles work against a weight or other resistance force. The body adapts to this resistance over time by building muscle and joint strength and increasing bone density. These improvements help improve function and mobility while allowing the body to better cope with everyday physical activities. Physical therapy generally includes low-resistance strength training to avoid the risk of muscle strain. Examples include assisted weight-lifting machines, exercise bands, or body weight exercises such as squats, lunges, or push-ups.

Stretching

Stretching involves positioning the body in such a way that specific muscles are fully extended. That position is then held for a brief period of time while taking slow, deep breaths. This lengthens the muscles, resulting in improved flexibility and mobility. A physical therapist will prescribe specific kinds of stretches to most effectively treat a patient’s condition.

Physical Therapy and Chronic Pain

Physical therapy can help people of all ages who have medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limit their ability to move and function. When it comes to chronic pain, physical therapists are experts in determining the cause of the issue. They will look for areas of weakness or stiffness that may be adding stress to painful areas. They then treat those areas with certain exercises to ease pain and help improve mobility.

10 Ways Physical Therapy Can Benefit the Human Body

1. Reduces or eliminates pain
2. Avoids Surgery
3. Improves mobility
4. Helps recover from a stroke
5. Helps recover from or prevent sports injuries
6. Improves your balance and prevents falls
7. Manage diabetes and vascular conditions
8. Help with age-related issues
9. Manage heart and lung disease
10. Manage women’s health conditions

According to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, this type of treatment benefits not just the physical body. It also maximizes the quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation, and rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions. Since it is entirely non-invasive, it is a common first choice when determining how to treat certain ailments. When administered appropriately, it can help relieve pain, enhance overall bodily function, and improve emotional health.