Chronic pain has been described as pain that lasts three months or longer, and it usually causes physical decline, limited function ability, and emotional distress. The pain also has a negative effect on daily life. It impacts sleep, work, home life, leisure activities, and the ability to interact with the ones you love. These things lead to mental and emotional distress, which might present themselves as mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. In fact, negative emotional events can come up as physical pain, which worsens chronic pain symptoms. For many people, physiotherapy is the answer.
Physiotherapist’s role
Since physiotherapists’ professions allow them to understand the limitations and dysfunctions that stem from chronic pain, they can play an important role in managing that pain. The physiotherapist can aim to treat the pain holistically, improving your quality of life. They will set attainable goals that suit your lifestyle and consider your condition and well-being to get you on the road to recovery. Physiotherapists use a variety of methods and treatments to help you manage your pain. We’re going to run through a few of them so you can be prepared to go to your first appointment.
Exercise Therapy
Physiotherapists can pick and choose exercises that are pain-free or pain-reducing to get you moving again. This keeps from encouraging more pain in your body and gets you moving again. The exercises usually aim to increase strength and flexibility, and the therapist can adjust the level of difficulty to suit your needs or progression.
Manual Therapy
Lack of movement due to pain leads to stiffness and irritability. Your physiotherapist can restore movement by manipulating and mobilizing the joints.
Soft Tissue Treatments
There are a variety of soft tissue treatments that desensitize your areas of pain. These include massage, myofascial release, stretching, and trigger point physiotherapy.
Pilates or Postural Exercises
Pilates or postural exercise led by a physiotherapist is an excellent treatment option, especially for neck and back pain. They are low intensity and help build strength and control. They can also be adjusted for at-home regimens your therapist might want you to work outside of the office.
Heat and Cold Therapy Treatment
Heat and cold therapy are useful in desensitizing pain. The heat encourages the muscles to relax and promotes blood flow and circulation to the area, which reduces pain. Cold therapy reduces blood flow to the area, numbing it and slowing down the pain messages sent from your nerves to your brain.
As you can see, there are a variety of treatments physiotherapists use on chronic pain. They will help you control your pain and get you back to daily activities. If you suffer from chronic pain and feel like physiotherapy could be beneficial to you, call Tieperman Health and Wellness today! We want to help you regain control of your life and ease the fear and avoidance associated with chronic pain.