Chronic pain is something 100 million Americans suffer from. This type of pain changes the way someone is able to operate in the world and has a significant impact on one's quality of life. Individuals with chronic pain often turn to physical therapy for pain relief and rehabilitation because they are able to forgo invasive surgery and potentially addictive medications. Use this guide to see how working with a physical therapist could help you live a more pain-free lifestyle. 

How Chronic Pain is Managed by Physical Therapy

Effective physical therapy begins with the foundation of patient education. This helps the patient learn the best ways to move their body as well as the most helpful lifestyle choices they can make outside of therapy to improve their physical wellbeing. Working with a physical therapist uses a variety of techniques and exercises, which may include low-impact aerobic training, strengthening exercises, soft tissue mobilization, and stretching, all customized to your body and its specific needs. You may be given homework that includes special stretches or heat or cold therapy to optimize healing and relieve pain. 

Benefits

Physical therapy treats pain at the source, getting to the root of dysfunction and correcting it. Customized therapy addresses each individual's unique needs, whether it is to strengthen muscles, increase joint stability, improve flexibility, or reduce inflammation. One of the most impactful aspects of physical therapy for people with chronic pain is the re-education of your central nervous system. This sensory conditioning changes the way your body responds to pain signals, significantly decreasing sensitivity in that area.

No one should have to recover from an injury alone. The expert physical therapists at Step By Step Physical Therapy are committed to your comfort and care for injuries, chronic illnesses, and other body issues. Using the latest therapeutic technologies and a customized approach to wellness, patients are able to experience the pain relief and mobility they deserve. With four locations throughout western New York, effective and compassionate help is never out of reach. To learn more about this experienced team and their locations, visit the website.