Chronic pain affects people of all ages and in surprising numbers: The CDC says more than 20% of American adults suffer from chronic pain, and more than 7% have “high-impact” chronic pain — symptoms so debilitating, they interfere with daily living.
Historically, opioid pain medications have been a go-to treatment option for people with chronic pain. Unfortunately, pain medicines come with a lot of unwanted and even dangerous side effects, including long-term addiction.
Today, most healthcare providers and patients are seeking alternatives — and physical therapy (PT) has proven to be very effective. In fact, the CDC recommends physical therapy as part of a non-drug approach to managing most types of chronic pain.
At JAM Wellness, we know that pain affects everyone differently. Our team customizes every physical therapy program to suit each patient’s unique needs and goals. If you suffer from chronic pain, here’s how a custom PT program can help you lead a more comfortable, active life.
Physical therapy for pain management
PT pain management focuses on this simple fact: Our bodies consist of interconnected “parts,” where stresses and strains on one part can affect many other parts. As a result, therapists are trained to address many different types of treatment depending on the source of pain, the type of pain, your lifestyle and treatment goals, and other related factors.
Flexibility
Chronic pain inhibits movement leading to stiffness, inflammation, decreased mobility, and increased discomfort. Our therapists will work with you to determine the best ways to reduce inflammation and keep your joints and connective tissues supple. One way is by using stretching and hands-on therapies like a massage.
Strength
Physical therapy uses exercises to gradually build strength, helping your body move better while providing support for your muscles, ligaments, and joints. Most PT programs involve exercises you can do at home, helping you maintain your results over time.
Posture and biomechanics
How you hold and move your body has a direct bearing on most types of chronic pain. You’ll work with our therapist to learn enhanced ways of moving and better posture habits, which “automatically” give your body the support it needs to function without stress, strain, or pain.
Healing
By focusing on painful areas, physical therapy exercises improve circulation to damaged tissues, promoting natural healing responses that help reduce and even prevent pain.
Emotional benefits, too
Pain isn’t just a physical response; there’s an emotional component that can affect how much pain you feel and how your body responds to pain. Regular physical activity releases “feel good” chemicals that can improve your mood, your pain responses, and even your ability to ward off painful symptoms.
Another benefit is that physical therapy is very goal-oriented. Focusing on achieving goals plays a key role in keeping you on track so you enjoy greater success and resolve painful symptoms faster.
PT: Long-term relief for your chronic pain
Unlike pain medication that relieves symptoms temporarily (and often requires increasing doses to maintain that effect), PT focuses on providing long-term relief through education and lifestyle changes that promote a healthy musculoskeletal system.
If you’re ready to reap the benefits of a custom physical therapy program at JAM Wellness, our team can help. To get started, book an appointment online or over the phone today at our offices in Dallas, Houston, Arlington, Pasadena, or Fresno, Texas.