PT is a treatment option that can help reduce the severity and impact of chronic pain on your daily life. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts beyond normal tissue healing time, usually more than 12 weeks. It can affect your physical and mental health, quality of life, and healthcare costs.
Exercise and physical therapy can help you manage chronic pain by:
Improving your strength, mobility, and function
Reducing inflammation and stiffness
Releasing natural painkillers called endorphins
Addressing the root cause of your pain
Reintroducing enjoyable activities
Enhancing your mood and coping skills
Exercise and physical therapy are not one-size-fits-all solutions. They are customized to your specific condition and needs based on a thorough assessment by a qualified professional. You may need to try different exercises and therapies to find the best.
Some common types of exercise and physical therapy for chronic pain management are:
Aerobic exercise: This involves activities that increase your heart rate and breathing, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing. Aerobic exercise can improve your cardiovascular health, endurance, and mood.
Strength training involves using weights, resistance bands, or your body weight to build muscle and bone mass. Strength training can improve your posture, balance, and stability.
Flexibility exercise involves stretching your muscles and joints to improve your range of motion and prevent injury. Flexibility exercise can reduce tension, pain, and stiffness.
Manual therapy: This involves hands-on techniques that manipulate the soft tissue, such as massage, mobilization, or manipulation. Manual therapy can increase blood flow, relax muscles, and decrease pain.
Modalities: These are devices or agents that apply heat, cold, electricity, ultrasound, or light to the affected area. Modalities can stimulate nerves, muscles, or blood vessels to reduce pain and inflammation.
Education: This involves learning about your condition, the causes and effects of chronic pain, and how to manage it effectively. Education can increase your knowledge, confidence, and self-efficacy.
Exercise and physical therapy for chronic pain management are generally safe and effective. However, they may also have some risks or side effects, such as:
Increased pain or soreness
Allergic reactions or skin irritation
Interactions with medications or other treatments
Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise or physical therapy program. You should also follow the instructions and recommendations of your physical therapist or trainer. They will monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
If you are looking for a clinic that offers Chronic Pain Treatment in West Des Moines, IA, you may want to consider QC Kinetix (Des Moines). They are a top-rated regenerative medicine clinic helping people with chronic pain find relief without surgery or drugs. They offer a variety of treatments that can stimulate your body’s natural healing process and restore your function and quality of life.
Contact them today for a free consultation to learn more about their services and see if they are right for you. Visit their website.
