What Is Arthritis?
Chronic pain affects more than 1 billion people worldwide. Pain is an indicator of an injury to a muscle, tendon, bone, or nerve. Any time you are injured, pain signals travel from the nerves near the injury to your spinal cord and brain. Usually, once the injury begins to heal, the pain signals stop. Chronic pain occurs when your body keeps sending pain signals to your brain, sometimes long after the injury has healed. It can last several weeks, several years or even a lifetime. Chronic pain is not only a physical condition, it can take a toll on your emotional health and well-being. It affects every person’s ability to move differently and can make it difficult to engage in normal tasks such as walking, running, standing, dressing, driving, or even working. It affects every part of your life, keeping you from enjoying your daily physical activities.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms. Typically, a person who is experiencing debilitating fatigue, tender areas of the body, changes in mood or muscle pain can be diagnosed with this condition. While it is unclear what causes fibromyalgia, some believe the pain is due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, the part of the body that activates the fight or flight response. Since it is not a disease but a cluster of symptoms, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia.
How Physical Therapy Can Help?
One of the fastest ways to relieve acute pain from an injury is to prescribe an anti-inflammatory or other pain medication. However, these medications can only offer short-term relief. There are much better options for treating chronic pain such as physical therapy which have been proven very effective for the long-term. Studies have shown that exercise together with postural strengthening activities not only relieve widespread pain, but also increase energy levels, improve sleep, and elevate mood. The primary goal of physical therapy is to increase your flexibility, function, and strength gradually, while reducing your overall pain.
Our expert physical therapists will perform a comprehensive exam and uncover the root cause of your ongoing pain. This may include diagnostic imaging, functional testing, or discussions with your primary doctors. Based on this information, your physical therapist will create a customized therapy plan to address your needs. Some specific treatment options that may be used include:
- Therapeutic Massage
- Hot and Cold Treatments
- Electrical Stimulation (TENS)
- Cold Laser
- Ultrasound
- Targeted Therapeutic Exercises
If you are suffering from chronic pain, please feel free to call or contact us today. Our team is made up of enthusiastic, hands-on providers who offer a comprehensive range of services. We look forward to giving you the care you deserve.