How Does Physical Therapy Help with Pain?

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a branch of rehabilitative health that employs a variety of treatments and exercises to begin the healing process and alleviate pain¹. It is often one of the best choices for individuals who have long-term (chronic) pain or have sustained an injury¹. Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who are experts not only in treating pain but also its source. They look for areas of weakness or stiffness that may be contributing to the pain and address these areas with specific exercises¹.

How Does Physical Therapy Help with Pain?

Physical therapy helps treat pain by:

• Strengthening Exercises: These exercises help build muscle strength, which can support and protect joints affected by pain².
• Low-Impact Aerobic Training: This type of training is designed to increase heart rate without putting too much stress on the body¹.
• Pain Relief Exercises: Targeted exercises can help improve strength and flexibility in areas where you have pain, making daily activities easier¹.
• Stretching: Gentle stretching helps improve flexibility and mobility¹.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Pain Management

1. Rehabilitation from Injuries: Physical therapy can help individuals recover from sports-related injuries or post-surgery, reducing the need for further medical intervention².
2. Pain Reduction: Physical therapy can reduce both acute and chronic pain through exercises, manual therapy, and patient education².
3. Improved Mobility and Flexibility: By increasing the range of motion, physical therapy can help individuals move better and with less pain².
4. Prevention of Future Injuries: By strengthening the body, physical therapy can help prevent future injuries².
5. Management of Chronic Conditions: Ongoing physical therapy can help manage conditions like arthritis, reducing pain and improving joint function³.

What to Expect During Physical Therapy

During a physical therapy session, you may engage in a mix of strengthening exercises, low-impact aerobic workouts, pain relief exercises, and stretching. The specific activities will depend on your individual needs and the nature of your pain¹. Physical therapists may also use other techniques such as massage therapy, aquatic therapy, ultrasound, or cold and heat therapy to help strengthen muscles and joints².

Conclusion

Physical therapy offers a holistic approach to pain management, focusing on the underlying causes of pain rather than just the symptoms. It empowers individuals to take an active role in their recovery and can lead to long-lasting health benefits. If you’re dealing with pain, consider consulting with a physical therapist to see how they can help you on your journey to recovery.