Chronic pain can keep you from doing almost everything you enjoy. It can hinder your ability to play sports, to have fun outside with your friends, to get a good night’s sleep, and even from doing your job. So, what are you supposed to do about it? What can possibly be done to improve your quality of life, besides taking prescription medication?
We’ve got your answer: physical therapy!
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, or if you’re dealing with a chronic pain problem, we invite you to pick up the phone NOW and give our clinic a call. We’ll set you up with a skilled physical therapist who can take a look at your condition and get you feeling better in no time at all.
Why should I consider physical therapy for my chronic pain?
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).
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 chronic pain and achy joints:
1. Physical therapy offers pain solutions, not just symptom management.
There are plenty of short-term “solutions” out there that we’ve all turned to from time to time when it comes to back pain or strains in our ankles and wrists. Let’s face it, many of us don’t want to make the trip to the doctor to see what’s wrong. We’d rather hope for the best and take care of it at home on our own, however, this isn’t always the best route of action when there’s an underlying problem. It’s important to treat the cause, not just the pain symptoms.
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 causes of 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:
- 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
- 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
2. Physical therapists can empower you to be your best self
Physical therapist’s are in it with you for the long haul! 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.
When you’re able to go about your day with less pain, greater strength, and improved function, you gain more independence and confidence as well!
3. Physical therapy provides safe, holistic pain relief.
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).
Did you know that the CDC and other professional organizations officially recognize physical therapy as a safe alternative to pain-relieving medications like opioids? It’s true. Physical therapy offers long-term pain relief, unlike prescription medications, and there is no threat of fatal overdose with an exercise plan, either.
Your physical therapist will employ 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 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.
Call our clinic today for more information
Are you being plagued with chronic pain and growing tired of searching for relief? If you’re nodding your head, it’s time to see what physical therapy can do for your condition.
Contact our physical therapy clinics in Du Quion and Carbondale, IL today to schedule an appointment and get on the road to a life freer from pain.
