Chronic pain is pain that has gone on for weeks or even months without going away. Unfortunately, chronic pain is a condition that many people experience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States suffer from some form of chronic pain. This can lead to an inability to exercise, work or even perform simple household tasks without help from others. Chronic pain leaves many people in a cycle of dependence and disability that they can’t seem to break free of.
There are many reasons why someone might be suffering from chronic pain. Some of the more common causes of chronic pain include:
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Back pain and sciatica.
- Neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines.
- Orthopedic pain and conditions.
- Fibromyalgia.
While many people lean on pain medications to treat their chronic pain, this may not always be the best option. Many pain medications come with unwanted side effects, and some may carry the risk of addiction. For a safe and medication-free solution for treating chronic pain, experts suggest visiting a physical therapist instead.
How can physical therapy help me break the cycle of chronic pain?
Seeing a licensed physical therapy specialist can help you break the chronic pain cycle. A physical therapist can diagnose the root cause of your pain and determine the best treatment methods for your needs. Here are three ways that physical therapy can help you break out of the cycle of chronic pain:
- Soft tissue mobilization — Chronic pain can often be caused by problems with the soft tissue of the body. This includes the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can often become tense and painful. Soft tissue mobilization therapy helps soft tissue to relax, as well as increase circulation to the area.
- Joint mobilization — Joint mobilization therapy is a method used by physical therapists to move joints that a patient may not be able to move themselves. This helps to restore mobility and relieve joint pain.
- Myofascial therapy — The myofascial system is the network of soft tissue that encases our muscles and organs. Many people suffering from chronic pain experience myofascial trigger points, which are tense and painful spots where the myofascial tissue has seized up. A physical therapist can help to release this tension and relieve myofascial pain.
Can a physical therapist near me help me break the cycle of chronic pain?
If your chronic pain is preventing you from living your life, let the experts at SOL Physical Therapy help. We can help you break out of the cycle of chronic pain using evidence-based, proven physical therapy techniques designed to treat your pain at its source.
When you choose us, you are choosing a modern facility, highly trained physical therapists and a hardworking administrative staff that does everything they can to make your visits as easy as possible.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
