Three benefits physical therapy can have for chronic pain sufferers

Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain

Do you currently have an acute or chronic pain condition affecting your daily life? Maybe you’re struggling with back pain, a sports injury or impairments following an auto accident. Perhaps you have someone in your family who is experiencing pain and dysfunction. 

It’s not all that unlikely that you or someone you know is living with chronic pain. Medical studies report that about 50 million American adults suffer from some type of chronic pain. Physical therapy can be an effective way to treat and reduce chronic pain, and there are three benefits in particular that physical therapy can offer chronic pain sufferers: 

  1. Lower risk of adverse side effects

Unlike many medications and invasive procedures, physical therapy has a very low risk of side effects. And it still remains highly effective for:

  • Reducing pain
  • Decreasing swelling
  • Lowering inflammation 

Physical therapy techniques for chronic pain can also require less downtime and can be modified and safely used on everyone from infants to seniors. Additionally, physical therapy methods can help you avoid addiction to opioids and other prescription pain relievers. 

  1. Higher level of customization

A physical therapy plan is not a one-size-fits-all treatment option for chronic pain. Instead, your physical therapist will work to build a program of therapy that’s completely individualized to your needs. A major factor that allows physical therapists to customize therapy to fit your needs are the many therapy methods at their disposal. Some of the techniques your physical therapist may use in your customized therapy plan include:

  1. Identification of hidden factors contributing to your dysfunction

A physical therapist won’t just assume that one factor is causing your chronic pain. They’ll look for minor issues that are directly contributing to your pain. Some of the minor issues your physical therapist will look for are: 

  • Shortened muscles
  • Scar tissue
  • Range-of-motion limitations
  • Muscle activation problems
  • Poor ergonomics
  • Posture problems

Addressing such issues can benefit patients in many ways. Doing so can lead to greater symptoms reduction than simply treating the symptoms can provide. More importantly, treating underlying issues can decrease the risk that your symptoms will return. 

SSOR offers effective physical therapy for chronic pain

Ready to find physical therapy that’s up to treating your chronic pain? Our physical therapists at SSOR are ready to find the most effective physical therapy for your pain. We offer complimentary screenings that can reveal the source of your pain and minor issues that are contributing to it. Additionally, our physical therapists excel at building personalized therapy plans designed to reduce pain and decrease your risk of future pain. 

Chronic pain have you stuck at home? No problem! You don’t necessarily need to come to one of our clinics for therapy sessions. In fact, we offer at-home care and virtual therapy sessions that can both be done right in your own home. Even better, you can start using our therapy services without first getting a referral from your doctor. 

Contact us today for more information about how we can treat chronic pain or to schedule an initial appointment.