Pain is a problem that can severely affect your life and keep you from completing or enjoying daily activities. Physical therapy services can help relieve symptoms and dramatically improve your ability to function normally. A physical therapist can evaluate your personal situation and create a treatment plan to reduce or eliminate your pain. Call Border Therapy today to learn how we can help relieve your pain.
Defining Chronic Pain
Whenever a person is injured, pain signals travel from the injury through the spinal cord and to the brain. Pain normally becomes less severe as an injury starts to heal. Chronic pain, however, is different. Your body will keep sending pain signals to your brain, sometimes even after the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last from several weeks to several years. It can hinder your ability to move easily and effectively. Pain can make it difficult to engage in daily activities and complete normal tasks.
Chronic pain comes in many forms. It can occur in any part of the body. It can be sharp or dull and intermittent or steady. Chronic pain can affect you more than just physically. It can take a mental and emotional toll as well as drain your energy and motivation. It’s important to address your chronic pain as soon as possible by visiting a trained physical therapist.
Types of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is usually caused by an injury such as a pulled muscle or a strain. Sometimes it’s the result of an automobile accident or another type of accident. Sometimes past health conditions or an infection can lead to ongoing pain. Chronic pain affects more than 1 billion people in the world. Pain is generally divided into the following categories:
Nociceptive Pain – Nociceptive pain is when the pain is located in the muscles and soft tissues. This is also sometimes referred to as somatic pain. Back pain, pelvic pain, arthritis, and headaches are all considered nociceptive pain. Physical therapy can help reduce and eliminate pain associated with these conditions.
Neuropathic Pain – This is pain that is associated with actual nerve damage. This type of pain is often more intense and is described as a sharp or stabbing feeling. Phantom limb pain, pain associated with post mastectomy, and diabetic neuropathy are examples of neuropathic pain. A combination of physical therapy and electrotherapy is sometimes used to treat neuropathic pain.
Treating Chronic Pain
While medications can help on a short-term basis, too many people are becoming dependent on them. Fortunately, there are better options for treating your chronic pain. A physical therapist can use several specific methods to treat debilitating pain. The goal of physical therapy services is to increase your flexibility and strength gradually, while reducing your overall pain. Some specific treatment options that may be used include the following:
- Deep Tissue Massage – A physical therapist will relieve tension in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons by applying direct pressure to the affected areas.
- Hot and Cold Treatments – Hot treatments will bring more oxygen and blood to the injured areas. Cold therapies can reduce muscle spasms and inflammation. Physical therapy treatments will sometimes alternate between different types of hot and cold treatments.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – TENS increases the release of natural endorphins to reduce pain throughout the body. This treatment can be used to reduce pain related to several conditions.
- Ultrasound – Ultrasound increases blood circulation and provides heat deep in muscles and joints. This can facilitate muscle stretching while reducing chronic pain.
Physical Therapy and Chronic Pain
Physical therapy can play a crucial role in alleviating and eliminating different types of pain. One of the most important aspects of providing an effective treatment plan for pain is to make sure it is personalized. Our physical therapy provides personalization. A physical therapist will do a comprehensive exam to assess the root cause of chronic pain. Using that information, the physical therapist will customize an individualized therapy plan.
Physical therapy services are comprised of passive and active treatments.
- Active treatments are things like therapeutic exercises.
- Passive treatments are ones where the patient does not actively participate. Passive therapies are usually done hand-in-hand with active therapies.
At our El Paso, Horizon City, TX & Las Cruces, NM centers, our compassionate team of physical therapists is dedicated to helping you overcome chronic pain and regain your mobility. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to providing you with personalized care and support.
How Physical Therapy Can Help You
Physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of chronic pain conditions. Our therapists are highly skilled in using a variety of techniques to help you:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Improve range of motion and flexibility
- Strengthen muscles and improve balance
- Develop a personalized home exercise program
- Teach you how to manage pain and prevent future problems
What to Expect
During your initial consultation with one of our physical therapists, you will discuss your pain and goals. Your therapist will then perform an evaluation to determine the cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Manual therapy: Your therapist will use their hands to massage and manipulate your muscles and joints.
- Exercises: You will be taught exercises to help you improve your strength, flexibility, and balance.
- Modalities: Your therapist may use modalities, such as heat, ice, or electrical stimulation, to reduce pain and inflammation.
Your Journey to Pain Relief
The journey to overcome chronic pain can be long and challenging. But with the support of a qualified physical therapist, you can achieve your goals.
Our therapists will work closely with you to set realistic goals, monitor your progress, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. We will also provide you with education and resources to help you manage your pain and prevent future problems.
Contact Us Today
If you are suffering from chronic pain, don’t wait any longer. Contact us or call us at (915) 266-0182 today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physical therapists. We can help you take control of your pain and live a more active, fulfilling life.
Here are some additional reasons why you should choose our physical therapy services:
- We have a team of highly skilled and compassionate therapists who are dedicated to providing you with the best possible care.
- We offer a variety of treatment modalities to tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs.
- We are committed to providing you with personalized care and support.
- We have a proven track record of success in helping patients overcome chronic pain.