Is arthritis, a sudden injury or another health condition causing you so much pain that you can’t move well? Are you afraid to attempt what were once simple movements? If this sounds like you, consider a customized program of physical therapy for pain management. Physical therapy can reduce pain and improve mobility so that you can move with confidence again.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a treatment modality which restores physical movement, strength, flexibility and function in the body. It includes a non-invasive approach to managing pain caused by various conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Bladder incontinence
- Neuropathy
- Surgery
- Traumatic injury
In Florida, there are many highly trained physical therapists at the H2 Health Family who specialize in pain management. They work closely with their patients to develop treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs, including diagnosing why patients have ongoing pain and prescribing therapeutic exercises that may relieve it.
What Kinds of Treatments Does a Physical Therapist Use to Manage Chronic Pain?
Physical therapists use a variety of techniques and therapies to manage chronic pain. These may include manual therapy, or hands-on techniques, such as massage, traction and stretching, to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension.
Another common therapy is targeted exercise. According to the diagnosis, physical therapists design customized exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall physical function. These exercises may be performed at home or in a supervised setting, such as a PT clinic, nursing home or hospital. Some patients take advantage of both the home and the clinic settings.
In addition to manual therapy and exercise therapy, physical therapists also use modalities such as heat or cold therapy, dry needling, trigger point therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound or traction to alleviate pain and promote healing. Even assistive devices and durable medical equipment–braces, crutches, taping, orthotics, walkers and the like–come under the physical therapist’s purview as useful pain management tools.
PT and the Individualized Aspects of Pain
One unique aspect of physical therapy is its focus on treating the root cause of pain. Rather than just masking symptoms with heavy medications, physical therapists work to identify and address the underlying health issues. These issues limit movement, weaken muscles, create poor balance and coordination and may lead to chronic pain.
In addition, research today points to the fact that many people deal with chronic pain. Physical therapists understand that and build this into the customized physical therapy programs they create. They acknowledge the impact of chronic pain on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. While the main goal of physical therapy is to lessen physical pain, it may also lessen emotional pain as a secondary result.
Physical therapists also play an important role in injury prevention and education. They can teach patients proper techniques for lifting, bending, and performing other daily activities to reduce the risk of injury. They provide guidance on maintaining a healthy life through exercise and nutrition. All these lifestyle factors impact pain and the management of it.
Overall, physical therapy is a holistic approach to managing pain and improving physical function. It combines hands-on treatments with individualized movement programs to address the unique needs of each patient.
Physical Therapy for Pain Management in Florida
At the H2 Health Family, our physical therapy team assists patients of all ages and walks of life in taking control of their pain. We honor their desire to use the most natural methods possible and give them the independence and freedom of movement they need in their day to day lives.
To learn more about pain management through physical therapy, call the H2 Health Family for an in-depth functional capacity evaluation. We have several locations throughout the South to serve you. Call (800) 699-9395 or request an appointment here. We are ready to partner with you in a life of wellness.
