How Can Physical Therapy Help With Pain Relief?

Pain is a normal part of life that we all experience from time to time.

While it may be difficult to believe due to the discomfort, pain is almost always beneficial. Pain can be a sign that something is wrong with our bodies. It notifies us when we have injured ourselves and assists us in taking steps to heal and recover so that we can resume our activities safely.

However, pain does not always subside or extend beyond what is expected as part of the healing process. In these cases, people may seek physical therapy services as part of their recovery plan and to maintain their health after their initial injury or condition.

Physical therapists are skilled professionals who specialize in pain relief by guiding patients through exercises that relieve discomfort and allow them to regain mobility safely. This blog post will go over how physical therapy services can help with pain relief and how they can help if you have chronic pain that limits your mobility.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a profession that focuses on restoring patients’ movement and reducing pain. Physical therapists are highly trained professionals who treat patients who are in pain, have limited mobility, or have reduced function.

During visits, physical therapists employ a variety of techniques, including hands-on treatments, exercises, massage, modalities such as heat and cold, and patient education, to assist individuals in reducing pain and improving function.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

A physical therapist will evaluate your condition, discuss your pain symptoms and medical history, and assess your mobility during an initial one-on-one exam. They may examine your joints, soft tissues, and other body parts to see if there are any restrictions to your movement that are causing pain or negatively impacting your health.

They will discuss your findings with you and design an exercise plan after they have completed the initial exam. They will take into account your specific situation and design workouts to meet your needs.

Physical therapists may use a variety of techniques to help relieve your pain, such as incorporating massage into your exercises, assigning you specialized activities for your condition, and recommending specific modalities such as heat and cold packs. They will collaborate with you to develop a pain management or treatment plan that you can follow at their physical therapy practice or at home to help you achieve your wellness goals.

It is important to note that physical therapists work with patients who have previously seen a variety of healthcare providers, including orthopedic surgeons, general practitioners, and neurologists, who may have provided a more detailed diagnosis.

Best Physical Therapy Techniques for Pain Relief

Graded Exposure

Despite their pain, this technique encourages people to take small steps toward their goals. For example, if you are in pain while walking but want to keep your body moving, graded exposure may be beneficial.

Your physical therapist may advise you to begin by walking for one minute, resting for one minute, walking for two minutes, resting for two minutes, and so on. This will help you achieve your goal of walking for longer periods of time despite your pain.

Breathing Exercises

It is critical to understand how your breathing affects your pain levels. Your physical therapist can teach you simple breathing exercises that will help you relax and improve your functionality while also relieving your pain.

Joint Mobilization

This technique employs gentle movement to improve joint and soft tissue mobility. To help you increase the range of motion in a joint that has limited your normal activities, your physical therapist may use their hands or a joint mobility device.

Specific Exercise Modalities

Many physical therapists use a variety of specialized home exercises in addition to general exercise modalities to address specific areas of your body where you’re experiencing pain. For example, if you have hip pain, your physical therapist may recommend that you do hip exercises such as squats and bridges to help relieve the pain.

FAQs About Physical Therapy for Pain

Does Physical Therapy Hurt?

Physical therapy is not unpleasant. In terms of treatment, certain movements and exercises may cause mild discomfort but nothing more. Physical therapy’s goal is to improve your mobility and reduce your pain, not to cause you pain.

What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Pain Management?

While rest and pain medication can help with pain relief, physical therapy can be extremely beneficial. Some of the numerous advantages include improving your ability to move around in order to avoid disability, strengthening your muscles, improving your balance, and assisting you in regaining confidence in your body.

How Long Does Physical Therapy Take for Chronic Pain Relief?

If you are in pain on a daily basis, you may be wondering how long it will last. Physical therapy can help relieve pain, but the length of treatment depends on your condition. If you have a severe condition, you may need more time to recover, but if you have a mild condition, such as a sprained ankle, you can expect to be in therapy for about a fortnight.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain?

Physical therapy, once again, is a risk-free treatment. You should consult your doctor before starting treatment if you have a serious medical condition. Once you’ve been given the all-clear, you can begin physical therapy.

Contact Metro Healthcare Partners for Effective Physical Therapy in Brooklyn, New York

Physical therapy is an essential component of pain management. It is not just about temporarily alleviating pain. It can also play an important role in the long-term management of chronic pain. Finding a physical therapist who is knowledgeable and skilled in pain management is critical.

After an injury or surgery, Metro Healthcare Partners offers physical therapy to help patients improve mobility, reduce pain, and increase strength. In our state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility, our team of trained physical therapists will work with you diligently to help you regain normal functioning and get back to living your life. Our physical therapists and doctors accept most insurance plans, including no-fault, PIP, and workers’ compensation.

Call us today at (718) 550-2056 to book an appointment or if you would like to know more about our services.