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.