Millions of Americans are forced to deal with chronic pain that impacts their lives daily. Chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and chronic back pain make it harder for people to work, play, socialize, and generally enjoy many aspects of life that the rest of us take for granted. For these people, learning how to manage the pain associated with these conditions is essential to their quality of life.
For many, pain management will include taking over-the-counter medications like Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Others will find these OTC options insufficient and have their doctors provide prescriptions for more powerful pharmaceuticals. In some cases, topical pain relievers can provide a bit of relief. Some will opt for steroid injections to provide a much-needed break from the pain. For some people, doctors may even recommend surgery.
Most of these options will provide only some temporary pain relief without doing anything to treat the underlying conditions that cause the pain. In the case of surgery, you are dealing with an invasive procedure that will permanently change your body and expose you to additional risks, and will also likely require a painful recovery period.
Unfortunately, people often overlook one non-invasive, safe, effective, and long-term strategy to manage pain and improve quality of life. That strategy is physical therapy.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Chronic Condition Management
Because physical therapy addresses the whole person by helping you improve your strength, mobility, flexibility and circulation, it is not simply a temporary mask to cover your pain. It is a true long-term plan to really address the underlying issues that are the source of your pain. A physical therapist will help you develop a personalized strategy based on your condition and situation – a strategy that can guide you toward a stronger, more mobile, more flexible, more pain-free life every day.
Physical therapy may also help you avoid the risk of surgery and the potential complications associated with it. It can be a real game-changer for people dealing with these chronic conditions and more.
Physical Therapy for Diabetes
Many people will be surprised to learn that physical therapy can be an effective treatment for a condition like diabetes. The truth is, there is a well-established link between physical activity and insulin sensitivity1 and blood circulation2. Regular physical activity can reduce your body’s risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome and can also help your heart and arteries work more efficiently to deliver the insulin to where it’s needed.
A trained physical therapist can also help you with strategies to avoid some of the severe complications of diabetes, like neuropathy and foot problems.
Relieving Arthritis Pain and Stiffness
Arthritis is another condition for which physical therapy has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option. Joint-friendly exercises can improve flexibility and reduce pain. A physical therapist may employ heat therapy, range-of-motions exercises, and/or strengthening exercises to both treat pain and improve the flexibility and strength of your joints.
Working with a skilled physical therapist will improve your ability to correctly pace yourself and avoid flare-ups. A customized routine developed for your specific situation will allow you to steadily improve and get the long-term benefits you won’t get from other pain treatment options.
Easing Chronic Back Pain
Unfortunately, chronic back pain affects millions of Americans each year. It is one of the most common reasons people miss work or seek medical attention. Back pain can take many forms. It can feel like a continuous muscle ache or a sharp, shooting pain. The causes of back pain are also varied and not always easy to diagnose. It can be caused by muscle or ligament strains, bulging or ruptured discs, osteoporosis, or an inflammatory disease like ankylosing spondylitis3.
Whatever the source or type of your back pain, physical therapy can help. Core strengthening, posture correction, and flexibility training can contribute to strengthening the muscles around your spine, improving flexibility, and reducing your pain. These techniques along with the education you can receive from your physical therapist can also reduce the risk of recurrence and re-injury.
Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to treat many chronic pain conditions and should always be strongly considered before surgery or risky pharmaceutical interventions. If you or a loved one are dealing with chronic pain of any type, please reach out to a physical therapist for an evaluation before opting for prescription drugs or surgery. It may not just be safer, but may be a better long-term strategy to deal with the pain and improve your quality of life.
At Strive! Physical Therapy Centers, we have been helping Ocala area residents manage chronic pain conditions for more than 40 years. Our therapists are skilled and experienced with patients of different ages, with different lifestyles, and different types of pain. Please call us at 352.690.7777 or email us today to schedule a free consultation.
Sources
- Bird, Stephen R, and John A Hawley. “Update on the Effects of Physical Activity on Insulin Sensitivity in Humans.” BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, vol. 2, no. 1, 2017, p. e000143, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569266/, https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2016-000143.
- Publishing, Harvard Health. “Exercise and Your Arteries.” Harvard Health, 21 June 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/exercise-and-your-arteries.
- Mayo Clinic. “Back Pain.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906.
