The U.S. Pain Foundation says 50 million people experience pain every day. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 20 million Americans suffer from chronic pain that interferes with their daily activities.
That said, acute and chronic pain of all types are the most common reasons people seek medical care.
The Problems with Pain Relief Medications
Medication can be beneficial for dealing with pain when prescribed and monitored.
However, misuse of opioids and even over-the-counter medications make it clear that pain-relief alternatives are desperately needed. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 21-29% of patients misuse opioids prescribed for chronic pain. Moreover, opioid prescriptions are not a permanent solution to your pain. These drugs mask pain sensations and do not treat the cause of pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide some relief but have some adverse side effects.
Physical Therapy for Pain Relief
Health care professionals recognize physical therapy as an evidence-based treatment approach to pain. In 2016, the CDC published guidelines recommending non-drug approaches such as physical therapy over long-term or high-dose use of addictive prescription painkillers. Evidence-based means providers use the best information, research, and clinical expertise to guide their recommendations and decisions.
The American Physical Therapy Association describes physical therapists as "movement experts who improved quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education."
Physical Therapists evaluate patients to find the root cause of their pain. Then they create a rehabilitation program that focuses on the problem and improves function, allowing you to return to your prior activity level with less pain.
The purpose of physical therapy is to:
- Manage and reduce pain
- Strengthen muscles
- Improve balance
- Improve range of motion
- Reduce scar tissue and scar tissue restriction
- Increase mobility, including walking
- Increase ability to do daily activities, including home chores
Physical Therapy Interventions
Physical therapy provides treatments that include a variety of methods, including strengthening, stretching, manual therapy, self-pain management techniques, home exercise programs, and education.
Examples of active exercises include:
- Stretching
- Strengthening
- Low-impact aerobic exercises
- Yoga like exercises
When to See a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists provide customized treatment plans for many conditions that include but are not limited to:
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Hip pain
- Bursitis or tendonitis
- Foot and ankle dysfunction
- Lumbar stabilization
- Muscle strain
Patients can talk to their health care provider to discuss if physical therapy is right for them. Your provider and physical therapist will work together to provide the best pain management intervention.
Benefitting from Physical Therapy
The good news is that most conditions causing pain and limited movement can benefit from physical therapy. It aims not only to treat symptoms but to address the root cause of pain to bring about long-term relief. The exercises taught in a session can be used even after completing the treatment program.
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