Do you have chronic pain? If so, you’re in the company of at least 20% of the United States population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At our physical therapy clinic, we work with people every day who are dealing with the physical and mental effects of chronic pain caused by conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. So, if your joints are achy and stiff, we invite you to consider working with a physical therapist in the New Year.
3 Reasons to Consider Physical Therapy
You don’t deserve to spend every day in pain, and with physical therapy you may not have to! Here are three reasons to work with a physical therapist for your achy joints:
1. Natural Pain Relief
Did you know that the CDC and other professional organizations officially recognize physical therapy as a safe alternative to pain-relieving medications like opioids? Physical therapy has been proven research studies to be effective for alleviating chronic joint pain and may even help you cut down on your medication (with your doctor’s supervision, of course).
For example, non-invasive modalities like electrical stimulation, diathermy, or ultrasound used by physical therapists can alleviate spasms and naturally block pain signals. This kind of short-term pain relief is valuable because it helps you participate in rehabilitation exercises and get better sleep, which we know is important for overall health and stress relief. But physical therapy can also help you achieve longer-term pain relief, too…
2. Solutions, Not Just Symptom Management
Beyond alleviating your joint pain and stiffness, a physical therapist also uses a variety of individually tailored techniques and services that can address the root causesof your joint issues. In the long-term, this can help you avoid or minimize daily pain, slow disease progression, and even prevent your joint problem from getting worse.
Examples include:
- Therapeutic exercises and stretches to correct strength or mobility imbalances, promote tissue healing, and improve overall joint function and stability
- Manual techniques like joint mobilizations and massage to improve joint alignment, reduce swelling and stiffness, and break up painful adhesions
- Neuromuscular education techniques to improve your balance and reduce the risk of falls, which may otherwise exacerbate your pain
- Prescription and fitting of custom orthoses, braces, and other devices to support, compensate for, and/or alleviate pressure on your affected joints
3. Personal Empowerment
When you work with a physical therapist, he or she becomes a partner in your healing and health. By teaching you exercises, mindfulness techniques, lifestyle modifications, breathing techniques, and safer ways to function in your daily life, your therapist can empower you to prevent recurring issues and optimize your overall health. And with less pain, greater strength, and improved function, you gain more independence and support your caregivers, too.
Is it time to see what physical therapy can do for your chronic pain? Contact our physical therapy clinic today to schedule an appointment and get on the road to a life freer from pain.
