Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain: What to Expect
Physical therapy is often one of the best choices you can make when you have long-term pain (also called chronic pain) or an injury. It can make you stronger and help you move and feel better. Pain management physical therapy
Ask your doctor to recommend a physical therapist. You’ll probably need a series of visits, and you should practice some of the exercises at home for the best results.
Physical therapists have a lot of training. Still, it’s a good idea to ask them about their experience in working with people who’ve had conditions like yours. You can also ask them how many sessions you’ll need.
How Does Physical Therapy Treat Pain?
Physical therapists are experts not only in treating pain, but also its source. Yours will look for areas of weakness or stiffness that may be adding stress to the places that hurt. And they will treat those areas with certain exercises to ease pain and help you move better.
In a physical therapy session, you may do a mix of:
Stretching. This will be gentle, and your therapist will make sure that you’re warmed up and you don’t stretch too far.
Your physical therapist may prescribe exercises for you to do at home.
What Else Might I Do?
During your sessions, your therapist may also use:
Heat and ice packs. Ice calms inflammation. Heat warms up your muscles so they move better. Both can help with pain.
Massage. Keep in mind that a massage on areas that are injured, sore, or hurt may not feel relaxing. But your therapist will take great care to make sure it’s safe and helpful for you. If you get one by someone other than them, tell that professional about your pain before your session starts. Pain management physical therapy
TENS and ultrasound. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, uses a device to send a low-voltage electric current to the skin over the area where you have pain. Ultrasound sends sound waves to the areas that hurt. Both may offer relief by blocking the pain messages that go to your brain.
