Results in Rehabilitation

Pain Management

Physical therapy is one of the best forms of treatment for pain management. In fact, physical therapy can help relieve pain and help prevent additional pain in the future.

 

Our physical therapists at Galloway Therapy are trained in pain management and can provide a full-range of services, from diagnosis to developing a treatment plan, to that actual treatment.

 

How Physical Therapy Treats Pain

 

It’s easy to think physical therapy is just for those who undergo surgery and need help getting back to full mobility, or for athletes who need help recovering from injury. But in reality physical therapy treats a range of ailments, including many types of pain.

 

Depending on the pain you experience, including source, intensity, and duration, your physical therapist will provide a treatment plan to help you improve range of motion, increase strength, and ease afflicted areas.

 

When diagnosing your pain, you can expect your physical therapist to follow these steps:

  • Provide a consultation to review your health history, including details about the pain and your lifestyle and activities
  • Perform a physical evaluation to assess the location and severity of your symptoms
  • Diagnose the cause and magnitude of your pain
  • Recommend a treatment plan for your pain

 

Pain Management Treatments

 

After doing a thorough examination of your condition, your therapist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

 

  • Aquatic Therapy – Aquatic therapy is a fantastic option for many people with chronic or inhibiting pain, as it allows them to ease into physical therapy while still seeing significant progress over time. For more information about our aquatic therapy program, including our unique Endless Pool, visit our Aquatic Therapy page.
  • Manual Therapy – If your pain is caused by joint or soft tissue problems, your therapist may recommend manual therapy, in the form of soft tissue to improve mobility, increase circulation, and promote healing.
  • Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises – Your physical therapist may work with you to strengthen certain areas around your pain and expand your flexibility to overcome the pain. Additionally, your therapist will likely recommend exercises you can do at home to continue your progress and recovery.
  • Stretching – Your physical therapist will help you stretch afflicted areas, as well as other parts of the body, to increase range of motion. Your therapist may also recommend stretches to do at home for ongoing pain relief.
  • Training – Sometimes patients experience pain due to particular movements that causes inflammation or irritation. Your physical therapist will provide helpful recommendations and training so you can make smart decisions at home to avoid additional or recurring pain, while maintaining the activity you enjoy.

 

 

Pain in a man's body. Isolated on white background. Collage of several photos

 

 

Additional Support Sources

 

When we experience pain, it can be tempting to take it easy and spend most of our time resting. However, avoiding activity isn’t always the best choice. Your physical therapist will likely recommend activities and exercises for you to do at home to continue your progress.

 

Do your best to build a support system around you at home. Doing so can help improve your pain management experience. Keep in mind that friends and family may encourage you to rest, so it may be helpful to share your activity and exercise plan with them and ask for their help to maintain your necessary activity level.

 

Also, many neighborhoods have daily and weekly community activities such as walking, jogging, or exercise in the park. If you’re interested in participating in these activities, share them with your physical therapist. Your therapist will provide recommendations on which activities you can participate in.

 

Be Patient

 

Recovery takes time and effort. There may be times when you don’t progress at the level you desire. Follow your physical therapists plan for pain management and don’t overwork afflicted areas. It is possible to cause additional pain or injury by exceeding your recommended exercise and activity plan. Doing so may increase your recovery time or cause additional pain.

 

If you feel you have the strength and mobility to go beyond your current plan, contact your physical therapist to discuss your options. Over time you’ll discover the pain relief you desire as you build strength, flexibility, and mobility.

 

Schedule an Appointment Today

 

If you or someone you know is experiencing pain, call us today to schedule a consultation. Our physical therapists have the knowledge, training, and skills to help get you on the road to recovery and back to the health and activities you love.

 

Call us today at 501-319-7659.