Finally Find the Relief You’ve Been Looking For
Have you suffered from sports injuries or a traffic accident recently? If you have, chances are you're still struggling with the consequences. It's time for a shift if you are dealing with acute or chronic pain and have yet to find relief. To learn more about how our certified physical therapists will get you on the road to a pain-free life, contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today.
How can physical therapy help me avoid injuries?
The nervous system can still send signals of pain even after the injury has completely healed. A physical therapist can also inform you about sensory re-education for chronic pain, in addition to offering pain relief for you. Sensory re-education reduces sensitivity and desensitizes the nervous system to the affected region.
In order to avoid re-injuring the same position in your body in the future or getting a new injury, your physical therapist will also teach you new ways to move in your daily life. For example, if you regularly lift heavy objects, you're likely to strain your muscles without noticing them until much later. Physical therapists will teach you the best ways to bend and lift without damaging yourself.
Do you have any of these conditions?
According to the APTA, “Studies have established the efficacy of physical therapy in treating and reducing pain as well as preventing chronic pain.”
Here are a few common disorders that, with the help of a licensed physical therapist, can be eased or even removed.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is typically mistaken for a disease that one only encounters as they age, but no matter how old someone is, it can affect everyone! Therapeutic exercise services can alleviate pain and enhance the physical function of individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
- Rehabilitation done before and after surgery: "Pre-hab," or rehabilitation prior to surgery, has become more popular. It has been found to enhance patient outcomes and mechanisms of recovery. Studies also show that beginning physical therapy about a month before a planned procedure can also greatly accelerate the recovery period. During the healing time following a procedure, seeing a physical therapist is often a must to ensure proper alignment of muscles and joints when you learn to move around again.
- Lower back pain & sciatica: Sciatica is a condition in which pain radiates down the legs, thighs, and buttocks. It is also normal for some parts of the leg to feel a numbness, burning, or tingling sensation. Exercises and stretches of physical therapy can help ease the pressure put on the sciatic nerve and in turn, minimize general discomfort felt in areas of the back.
What will a PT treatment plan look like?
Certain modalities can also be used in physical therapy to obtain pain relief.
A few are as follows:
- Ultrasound therapy. Ultrasound technology can send sound waves deep into inflamed tissues and joints, prevent pain signals from getting to the brain, and is useful for musculoskeletal problems.
- Electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation is often used in some physical therapy treatment programs, where currents are sent to soothe affected areas and relieve discomfort.
- Direct manipulation. Direct joint manipulation may be performed to enhance functioning and maintain proper alignment.
- Massage therapy. Massage therapy is a manual procedure used to improve mobility in confined or limited areas. This is achieved by rhythmic stretching and applying deep pressure to fibrous muscle tissue. Massage therapies are effective in breaking up scar tissue and adhesions caused by inflammation or injury. It also helps increase blood flow and circulation to affected muscles and soft tissues.
- Hot and cold therapy. Heat and ice packs may be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected areas. In physical therapy, this is a very prevalent treatment tool which can be used to complement other forms of pain relief.
How will physical therapy benefit me?
Physical therapy is aimed at minimizing and removing pain while enhancing mobility and function.
According to WebMD, "Physical therapy is often one of the best choices you can make when you have long-term pain (also called chronic pain) or an injury. It can make you stronger and help you move and feel better.”
Typical physical therapy includes numerous targeted workouts and pain relief stretches. You are presented with these exercises to strengthen the function of your core muscles. To help restore balance and range of motion, some physical therapists use bikes, exercise balls, weights, or other devices.
It may also be part of the recovery plan to use your own bodyweight for pushups and lunges. All exercises are intended to alleviate discomfort, target trouble areas, and relax muscles.
Ready to get started on your PT plan?
It's time to put your foot down if you are dealing with pain that affects your everyday life. Enough is enough. You don't have to deal with soreness, aches, and inflammation day in and day out that stops you from enjoying the things you love!
A licensed physical therapist will analyze your condition, determine any underlying health conditions that you may have, identify the cause of your pain, and clearly develop a personalized care plan for your needs.
To learn more about our pain management and relief options, contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today; our physical therapists are ready to help. Schedule an appointment with us today to find relief!
