Physical Therapy For Chronic Pain: Why It’s Never Too Late To Seek Help

Living with chronic pain can affect every aspect of your life. It can be debilitating and overwhelming. However, physical therapy offers hope and a solution for those suffering from chronic pain. Regardless of how long you’ve been enduring pain, it’s never too late to seek help. Physical therapy is a worthwhile option. It may improve your quality of life no matter how long you have been struggling with pain.

Chronic pain is characterized by persistent discomfort that lasts for an extended period, typically three months or more. It can result from various conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, or injuries that didn’t heal correctly. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain may involve complex factors, such as nerve damage, muscle imbalances, or emotional distress. Physical therapy aims to address these underlying factors to alleviate pain and enhance function. Your qualified healthcare professional here at Athletico can help you understand what is happening to your body and show you what to do to correct the issue(s).

Physical therapy takes a holistic approach to pain management, considering the whole person rather than just the symptoms. A physical therapist may conduct a thorough assessment (via a subjective history and objective tests and measures) to identify the root causes of your pain. Your therapist will consider factors such as posture, movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and any physical limitations. They will then develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This comprehensive approach focuses on restoring mobility, strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and optimizing overall physical function.

Physical therapy can incorporate a wide variety of techniques to help relieve pain and improve your functional abilities, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, stretching and pain relief modalities. Over time, these interventions can alleviate pain, improve joint mobility, increase muscle strength, enhance posture, and restore your ability to perform daily activities with less discomfort.

Physical therapy goes beyond in-session treatments. One of the key benefits of physical therapy is the education and self-management strategies it provides. A physical therapist will teach you proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and techniques for pain management. They will guide you in exercises and stretches that you can continue at home to maintain progress and prevent future pain flare-ups. You will receive a personalized Home Exercise Program on day one that will continue to evolve over time. By empowering you with knowledge and self-care strategies, physical therapy equips you with the tools to actively manage your pain and regain control of your life. You will have the tools to manage your current pain short-term and keep it away for the long-term.

Living with chronic pain can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Whether you’ve been living with chronic pain for a few months or several years, physical therapy can still be beneficial, by offering relief and renewed hope. Remember, it is never too late to start physical therapy, even if you’ve been living with chronic pain for a long time. By addressing the underlying causes, physical therapy helps alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance your overall quality-of-life.

Here at Athletico, you can embark on a journey of healing and empowerment. You can share your concerns with your physical therapist, and they will be able to craft an individualized plan for your goals. Embrace the possibilities that physical therapy offers and take a step towards a life with less pain and more vitality. Remember, it is never too late to seek help. It can all start with Athletico. Get started with a free assessment; Free Assessments are available in-clinic and virtually through our Telehealth program.

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*Per federal guidelines, beneficiaries of plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VHA and other federally funded plans are not eligible for free assessments.

The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.