HOW A PHYSICAL THERAPIST CAN HELP TREAT CHRONIC PAIN
Ice and heat therapies
Heat and cold therapies are intended to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing. Usually, heat therapy involves applying hot packs to the affected area. This promotes blood flow and subsequently relaxes the muscles. Cold therapy, on the hand, slows down circulation to reduce muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound
TENS typically involves sending low-voltage electric currents to the targeted area. The goal of this form of therapy is to decrease pain signals coming from your body to your brain. Rather than electric current, ultrasound utilizes sound waves to achieve the exact same results. Both forms of treatment can help reduce muscle spasms and pain altogether.
Flexibility exercises
It’s not uncommon for patients with chronic pain to feel tight or locked up in some way or another, usually around the muscles and joints. In most cases, this is usually your body’s attempt at compensating to avoid the pain. Flexibility exercises allow you to gradually ease the tension around such areas so that you can improve your range of motion.
Strengthening exercises
It may sound counterproductive for your PT to recommend strengthening exercises, yet you are in pain. However, strengthening exercises afford your brain positive feedback, training your brain to believe that the movement will not hurt anymore. A PT will tailor-make your exercising regimen based on your condition and skill level. You will need to start small. But the intensity of the exercises should grow as you progress.