The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain

The Prevalence of Chronic Pain

According to the National Institute of Health, around 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain every year. Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of issues such as injury, surgery, chronic conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, or a myriad of other causes. Unfortunately, chronic pain can often lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Luckily, physical therapy has become a popular treatment for chronic pain sufferers with proven success.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a form of treatment designed to help people who have difficulty moving or performing physical activities due to any number of physical problems. Physical therapists work with patients to develop individual treatment plans that can include stretching, strength training, massages, and other techniques to help reduce pain and increase overall mobility. Treatment plans can be customized based on the patient’s specific need and goals. If you wish to further expand your knowledge on the subject, don’t hesitate to visit this meticulously curated external source we’ve arranged to supplement your reading. physiotherapie erlangen https://www.schmerztherapie-erlangen.de/physiotherapie/!

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain

There are several benefits of physical therapy for chronic pain sufferers:

Reduced pain: Physical therapy can help reduce the perception of pain by increasing blood flow, releasing endorphins, and reducing muscle tension.

Increased mobility: Physical therapy can help increase flexibility and mobility, which can help chronic pain sufferers move around more easily and with less pain.

Improved mood: Because physical therapy can increase mobility and reduce pain, it can help improve overall mood and reduce mental health concerns like depression and anxiety.

Decreased need for medication: Physical therapy can help reduce pain to the extent that patients do not need as much pain medication or can even stop taking it altogether.

Personalized treatment: Physical therapy plans are customized to the individual needs of each patient and can be adjusted over time as the patient progresses, which can lead to better overall outcomes.

Types of Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain

There are several types of physical therapy that can be used to treat chronic pain:

Manual therapy: This type of physical therapy is hands-on and can include massage, stretching, and joint mobilization to help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Exercise therapy: This type of physical therapy incorporates exercise to help strengthen muscles and improve mobility. It can include both land-based movements like walking or strength training, as well as aquatic therapy in a pool or other water-based environment.

Modalities: Modalities are treatments that use heat, ice, and other techniques to help reduce pain and inflammation.

How to Begin Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain

If you are interested in physical therapy to help manage chronic pain, the first step is to speak with your primary care physician. They can help determine if physical therapy is a good option for you and refer you to a trusted physical therapist. Once you’ve started physical therapy, it’s important to communicate with your therapist about your progress and any concerns you may have to ensure the treatment plan is customized to your needs and goals.

Conclusion

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for chronic pain sufferers looking to decrease pain, increase mobility, and improve overall quality of life. Whether through manual therapy, exercise therapy, or modalities, physical therapy can be tailored to each patient’s individual needs and goals. If you are interested in physical therapy for chronic pain management, speak with your primary care physician to get started on a customized treatment plan. Visit this external resource for additional information on the topic. https://www.schmerztherapie-erlangen.de/physiotherapie/, explore the subject more extensively.

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