Physical Therapy As Part of Your Pain Management Program

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 20.4% of Americans struggle with chronic pain. If chronic pain forces you to lay in bed and rest, you’re not alone.

It may seem contradictory, but too much rest and inactivity can make your pain worse. Physical therapy is an effective option for treating chronic pain because it gets you moving, and in turn, can help provide relief.

What type of physical therapy you need depends on what’s causing your pain. That’s why our providers at the International Spine Pain & Performance Center encourage you to see us when you’re dealing with chronic pain. 

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy as part of your pain management program, keep reading. 

Physical therapy for pain management

Physical therapy can be an effective way to reduce pain associated with several types of conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Back pain associated with herniated discs or degenerative disc disease
• Sciatica
• Chronic headaches

Physical therapy is also beneficial for athletes who have sustained various sports injuries.

Types of physical therapy treatments 

Physical therapy is an umbrella with many different types of treatments that fall under the category of "physical therapy." The goal of physical therapy is to improve the range of motion and function of your body while reducing pain. 

Depending on where your pain is located and the cause of your pain, one of our providers may suggest one of the following physical therapy treatments:

• Stretches
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Both passive and active exercises 
• Massage
• Hydrotherapy

Many physical therapy treatments work together to reduce pain. For example, you might perform daily stretches and exercises but receive hydrotherapy as well.

How physical therapy combats chronic pain

Physical therapy combats pain in a few ways. Physical therapy modalities such as exercising, stretching, and massaging reduce pain by:

• Reducing inflammation
• Strengthening muscles
• Improving range of motion and flexibility
• Improving endurance
• Reducing stiffness and soreness

Keep in mind that not all pain can be managed by physical therapy alone. Some types of pain may be better addressed with interventional pain management options. One of our providers will help determine the best course of action for your specific health concerns.

How can physical therapy help you?

Don’t let pain keep you from living the life you want. Whether you need interventional orthopedic treatments or physical therapy, our providers at the International Spine Pain & Performance Center are ready to help you get the relief you need. 

To learn how physical therapy can help you, visit us online to request an appointment at one of our three convenient locations.