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Chronic pain can significantly impact the quality of life as it affects physical, emotional and various other aspects of a patient’s life. Medication can only give short-term solutions to chronic pain, while physiotherapy therapy offers a long-term solution. Here is an ultimate guide to knowing how physiotherapy will be useful in managing your chronic pain and enhancing your quality of life.
Synopsis
What is Chronic Pain?
In general, chronic pain refers to pain that persists beyond the normal healing time of three months. It can be caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia, backache, nerve damage, and other ailments. Patients suffering from chronic pain may not be able to move around as often or have to take less active and satisfying lives; they become prone to suffer emotionally.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Physiotherapy eliminates the problems that lead to pain in the first place and aims more towards restoring the functionality of the affected body part. Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques to help manage chronic pain, including:
Manual Therapy
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Myofascial Release and Manipulation: It enables the muscles to relax, blood flow to be enhanced, and, in the process, the pain to be relieved.
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Joint Mobilisation: Swing-through exercises to enhance flexibility and decrease joint rigidity.
Exercise Therapy
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Strengthening Exercises: Muscle strengthening exercises for those parts of the body that are painful.
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Flexibility and Stretching Exercises: Increasing the range of motion to decrease stress and strain in the muscles.
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Aerobic Exercises: Exercises such as walking or swimming to enhance the general well-being of an individual and decrease pain thresholds.
Electrotherapy
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TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Uses electrical currents with low voltages to treat pain.
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Ultrasound Therapy: Employing sound waves to alleviate pain and swelling.
Heat and Cold Therapy
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Heat Therapy: Using heat to ease muscle tension and enhance blood flow.
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Cold Therapy: Using cold therapy in order to decrease the inflammation of the tissues of the affected area and also to minimise sensations of pain.
Education and Self-Management
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Pain Education: Knowledge about how chronic pain is manifested and how it should be treated.
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Posture Training: Mastering good posture for the purpose of lessening the stress on the musculoskeletal system.
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Activity Modification: Management of daily activities to minimise pain and avoid exacerbations
Creating a Personalised Physiotherapy Plan
A physiotherapist can develop an individualised treatment plan depending on the particular condition of the patient as well as requirements. The process typically includes:
Initial Assessment
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Detailed History: Providing information about pain, medical history, and lifestyle to your doctor
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Physical Examination: Evaluating the position of your body and your capacity to move and support it
Goal Setting
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Short-Term Goals: Immediate relief and improved mobility
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Long-Term Goals: Sustained pain management and enhanced quality of life
Treatment Implementation
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Regular Sessions: Consistent physiotherapy sessions to implement and adjust treatments as needed
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Home Exercise Program: Exercises to perform at home to complement in-clinic treatments
Progress Monitoring
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Ongoing Evaluation: Regular check-ins to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Chronic Pain
Physiotherapy offers numerous benefits for those suffering from chronic pain. This includes:
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Pain Reduction: Targeted therapies to alleviate pain.
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Improved Mobility: Techniques to enhance movement and flexibility.
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Strength and Endurance: Building strength to support affected areas and improve overall fitness.
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Better Posture and Alignment: Education on maintaining proper posture to reduce pain and prevent future issues.
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Enhanced Quality of Life: Improved physical function leads to better participation in daily activities and overall well-being.
Complementary Therapies
There are certain complementary therapies, too, that can enhance pain management. For example:
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Acupuncture: Stimulating specific points on the body to relieve pain.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to reduce stress and manage pain.
Visit Manipal Hospitals Hebbal, if you are experiencing chronic pain and need medical assistance
FAQ's
Physiotherapy can restore your movements that have been affected by injury, illness, or disability. Physiotherapy can benefit everyone. It can help you recover from surgery, manage chronic conditions, and prevent future injuries.
Physiotherapy can be effective for many ailments. For example:
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Musculoskeletal Issues: back pain, arthritis, etc.
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Neurological Issues: stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc.
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Respiratory Issues: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.
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Post-surgical rehabilitation
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Recovery from sports injuries.
The frequency of your sessions will depend on your condition. Your doctor will assess the severity and treatment goals. Some may benefit from weekly sessions. On the other hand, some may require more or less frequent visits. Usually, your physiotherapist will create a personalised plan for you to optimise your recovery and progress.
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