Can Physical Therapy Relieve Pain?

There are a myriad of ways to treat pain, and as technology and medicine advance, these methods become more accessible and better suited to help improve, and even eliminate pain. One of our favorite treatments for pain relief is physical therapy (PT) – Oxford Languages defines physical therapy as “the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery.”

While similar to physiotherapy, which is often performed by chiropractors, physical therapy can only be implemented by a trained and licensed physical therapist. It focuses on prevention and management of pain, and when used appropriately, can help patients feel significant relief. PT can be performed passively or actively, depending on what aids your needs most.

According to WebMD’s Back Pain Guide, passive therapy can often include the following:

·     Manual therapies

·     Heat/ice packs

·     Electrical stimulation, including TENS units

·     Ultrasound

·     Dry needling

·     Cupping

While active physical therapy tends to include:

·     Movement based activities, including stretching and range of motion exercises

·     Specific strengthening exercises

·     Pain relief exercises

·     Low-impact aerobic conditioning

The use of passive or active methods are determined by each patient’s specific, individualized needs, and physical therapy programs are often customized and readjusted as time passes, to ensure that each patient continually receives the best care possible for their own body type and injuries.

It is also important to note that because physical therapy works to help strengthen your body as well as relieve your pain, initial discomfort can be expected both during and after PT. However, severe pain or extreme exacerbation of symptoms should not be anticipated or expected from treatment plans – remember to always communicate how you feel to your physical therapist, so that you can help ensure that your body will not be pushed beyond its limits, and will heal safely.

Healthpointe Can Help!

Have you been experiencing chronic pain, or suffering from an injury that you haven’t been able find relief from? Contact Healthpointe today, to find out if physical therapy is right for you!

Healthpointe offers comprehensive evaluations and treatments for all of your needs, and can help you establish a physical therapy plan that will fit just right. To talk to one of our doctors and find out more about how we can help, call (888) 824-5580, or schedule an appointment today!