Living with chronic pain is a daily struggle for millions, not just in Utah but all over the US. According to the CDC, it affects over 20% of US adults, making every aspect of their life more challenging, including professional and personal relationships.
At our pain management clinic in Utah, we often come across cases where chronic pain has taken control of a patient’s life. Fortunately, with effective chronic pain management, you may lead a healthy life. That’s where physical therapy (PT) comes in.
It offers targeted pain relief treatments that can identify the root causes of your chronic pain and provides tailored treatment options. But how?
Let’s find out.
What Is Chronic Pain
Typically, chronic pain can last for months or even years. People often suffer from chronic pain due to multiple physical conditions, such as arthritis, back injuries, or nerve damage.
Lifelong pain usually affects mobility and emotional well-being and limits your ability to perform everyday tasks. Some people may also experience sleep disturbances, fatigue, social isolation, and anxiety due to continued discomfort.
If treated in time, PT can reduce chronic pain by around 30%, which can significantly improve your physical health and emotional well-being.
What is Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a medical treatment that helps people regain their movements. When it comes to chronic pain management, PT involves a combination of exercises and medication to improve your movement and reduce pain.
While medication, particularly painkillers, can be effective, they are not a reliable long-term solution. They are also addictive, with around 3% to 19% of people taking prescription pain medication getting hooked on them.
That said, you cannot rely on medication alone for long-term pain relief. With proper chronic pain management, you may be able to live a better life. Regular physical therapy sessions can help you improve mobility and build physical strength.
The duration of your pain management treatment, cost, and frequency will depend on the intensity and nature of your pain. If you need chronic pain relief treatment in Utah, we recommend consulting a professional as soon as possible. They can help you understand your treatment options.
How Can Help with Your Chronic Pain Management
While there are many pain management treatments, PT is often the most sought-after because it takes a more personalized and targeted approach. It’s a combination of physical exercises and medication that helps improve your range of movements and daily life.
Here’s how:
1. Helps Manage Your Pain
Physical therapy is one of the most effective pain management treatments. It can help restore your muscle and joint function, reduce pain, and may prevent it from coming back. It’s a non-invasive, sustainable way to manage your chronic pain.
2. Improves Your Mobility
Chronic pain often restricts your mobility, making it difficult to go on with your routine. But PT, especially muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, can help you regain mobility.
3. Builds Your Strength
Building muscle strength is at the heart of managing your aching joints. Physical therapy targets your weak muscles and painful joints, strengthening them over time. With customized chronic pain management, you might be able to enjoy long-term pain relief and even handle some of your daily chores.
4. Helps You Avoid Surgery
While surgery can be one of the chronic pain management options, it’s not for everyone. Surgeries are often expensive, require considerable recovery time, and may not be suitable for older patients or those with certain medical conditions. However, PT can help almost everyone, young or old. If it helps manage your pain effectively, you may not need surgery.
5. Reduces Your Reliance on Pain Medication
If PT reduces your pain, there’s a lessened need for pain medications such as opioids. Unlike these medications, PT doesn’t have any side effects or lead to drug addiction. But it does require consistent monitoring.
You Need a Personalized Physical Therapy Plan
Like every other pain management treatment, PT requires a personalized treatment plan. Your physician will decide which is the right course of action to address your chronic pain.
It includes:
Step 1: Initial Assessment
When you visit a pain management clinic in Utah, a physician will evaluate your medical history and pain level. This helps them understand the causes of your pain and create a tailored treatment plan.
Step 2: Set Your Treatment Goals
As mentioned, physical therapy is a long-term goal. Your therapist will work with you to set achievable goals and milestones, making it easier to track your progress. It also helps your PT team to adjust your treatment and medication.
Step 3: Create Tailored Exercises
PT uses a set of exercises based on your target joints and muscles. You may need strength-building exercises, balancing exercises, resistance training, stretching, and aerobic exercises. Your therapist will create customized physical therapy sessions, which may change as your treatment progresses.
Step 4: Continuous Monitoring and Adjustments
Regular checkups help your therapist track your progress. When you drop in for a follow-up during your pain relief treatment in Utah, you can expect:
- A thorough checkup
- Review of your pain management and mobility progress
- Adjustment of your treatment plan
Continuous monitoring is necessary to make the therapy effective.
How Long Can Physical Therapy Take
When it comes to chronic pain management, some people may need PT for a few weeks or months, while others might need ongoing sessions. Here are a few scenarios:
- Minor Injuries: You may need a few weeks of therapy to address minor injuries like a sprained ankle or pulled muscle.
- Severe Injuries: Severe injuries like fractures, ligament tears, or spinal cord injuries often require long-term physical therapy, ranging from several months to over a year.
- Neurological Conditions: Medical conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis may require PT that may last several years or for life.
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Some people might need PT after knee surgery or hip replacement. It can last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your progress and the type of surgery.
- Chronic Pain: Chronic back pain or conditions like arthritis typically require ongoing physical therapy sessions. You might need a customized treatment for several years to manage your pain.
- Chronic Conditions: For chronic conditions like arthritis or long-term back pain, PT might be an ongoing process. Patients may need periodic sessions over several months or even years to manage symptoms and maintain mobility.
Conclusion
Physical therapy plays a critical role in managing chronic pain. It’s a non-invasive and sustainable solution that can help you lead a better life. It often works with other pain management treatments, including medication, and becomes a part of your wellness routine. Depending on the severity and nature of your pain, you might need PT for several weeks, months, or even years. It’s best to consult a certified physical therapist to know your treatment options.
You don’t have to cope with chronic pain alone. Call (801) 689-3389 or book your appointment online to schedule your initial consultation.