According to the U Pain Foundation, On average, 50 million people worldwide experience pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Survey, 20.4% of adults suffer from chronic pain for a long time And 7.5% of people experience severe pain for a long time. And because of suffering from this pain, they are not able to improve their work or improve their quality of life. People can use physical therapy to get relief from this pain. This is pain relief by applying this therapy to the specific part of the body where the pain has occurred.

Use of physical therapy to relieve chronic pain

For a long time, millions of people have been taking various medicines to get relief from wind pain and as a result they have many side effects and damage to the body. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 21-29% patients use prescription opioids. But taking such medicines is not a permanent solution. Medicines that only relieve the pain for a while it is not a permanent solution to pain. So, to get relief from chronic pain, use various therapies instead of drugs to reduce your pain and lead a better life.

An effective treatment for chronic pain is physical therapy or therapy to reduce physical pain. Physical therapy is a type of physical therapy mostly sports and this therapy is used to treat injuries. Physical therapy is a therapy that uses methods other than drugs to relieve pain. However, this physical therapy has more benefits than drugs. Pain relieved by medication may return later, but pain relieved by physical therapy may never return in the future.

Types of physical therapy

There are different types of physical therapy (PT), but pain management methods in physical therapy are broadly classified as passive PT or active PT.

Passive physical therapy involves controlling the patient and providing immediate pain relief. Aggressive physical therapy requires patient involvement and may help patients in the long term.

Research shows that both types of physical therapy are effective, and incorporating them into your treatment plan can be particularly successful in treating certain conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and neck pain.

Passive physical therapy

Some common passive physical therapies include:

Use hot, cold or both: Heat or ice, alone or applied, can reduce swelling and muscle stiffness.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): TENS These devices are sent to the brain and reduce pain signals and to do this, electricity is used. The use of these devices reduces pain. Electrical applications are inserted into sensitive areas of the skin below. Applying this method reduces pain.

Iontophoresis: It is used in irritated areas of the skin and in electricity. This procedure causes electrical currents to push the steroid under the skin this reduces swelling and pain.

Laser therapy: Bright energy photons penetrate the skin, reducing painful inflammation and accelerating tissue healing.

Ultrasound: In this method, cold gel is first applied to the skin.Then sound waves from an ultrasound machine are injected into the gel site. The waves then slowly penetrate the soft tissue. Using this method provides relief from pain.

Use of massage therapy: The use of massage therapy can provide a lot of relief from pain. This therapy softens the tissues and muscles and gradually cools them down. And slowly the pain subsides.

Vigorous physical therapy: In active physical therapy, the patient participates in treatment while the therapist provides guidance and support.

Number of Functions: People who have had a stroke, injury or are bedridden can benefit from a variety of physical activities. During each session, the physical therapist helps the foot move freely and relieve pain.

Dynamic lumbar stability. This treatment focuses on stretching exercises to relieve back and neck pain. Stretching can reduce muscle tension and improve range of motion. These include exercises like back bends and knee-to-chest extensions.

McKinsey Method: A physical therapist can help them with exercises to stretch their spine and relieve pain. Focus on moving your leg or arm to the painful area.

Water sports: Water works are done in swimming pools. Splashing water will relieve your back pressure. Muscle movements can be performed when patients feel less pain than usual, especially when they have severe shoulder, neck, or back pain.

Targeted and general improvement

Physical therapy exercises can focus on different parts of the body such as the back, neck, joints, burn areas, etc. Patients with physical conditions such as fibromyalgia may benefit from intensive full-body physical therapy.

There are strength exercises, stretching, cardio, endurance exercises and more.These are some effective treatments. Physical therapists have a variety of treatment options that allow them to create a treatment plan that meets the unique needs of their patients.

When should you return to physical therapy?

Your doctor may recommend pain medication and physical therapy, and a physical therapist has a variety of treatment options. Physical therapy is recommended when chronic pain is exacerbated by an event such as a stroke or car accident, or when pain reduces mobility and range of motion. Physical therapists work closely with patients to provide passive and/or active treatment and teach patients good exercise techniques at home.

Reference

Physical Therapy Benefits for Pain Management

https://www.londonpainclinic.com/physical-rehabilitation-therapy/the-role-of-physical-therapy-in-pain-management/#:~:text=As%20Pain%20Doctors%20regularly%20explain,will%20help%20alleviate%20the%20pain.

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/physical-therapy

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Traditional_Physiotherapy_Interventions_for_Pain_Conditions

https://www.physiotattva.com/blog/how-physical-therapy-can-transform-your-pain-treatment

https://hamsarehab.com/physical-therapy-role-in-managing-pain/

The Vital Role of Physical Therapy in Effective Pain Management

https://www.medcentral.com/pain/chronic/physical-therapy-pain-management

Understanding the Role of Physical Therapy in Pain Management

https://www.sjog.org.au/blog/2023/sep/the-vital-role-of-physiotherapy-in-pain-management