The Incredible Benefits of Physical Therapy for Pain Relief

Living in pain is exhausting, and it affects every aspect of your life. If you deal with pain every day, you aren’t alone. Millions of people are living with chronic pain and searching for ways to ease their discomfort.

For many, physical therapy is a wonderful solution. If you’re looking for a safe and non-invasive way to treat your pain, physical therapy may help.

Let’s take a look at the tremendous benefits of physical therapy.

Treats the Root of Your Pain

Rather than simply masking the pain, physical therapy gets to the root of the problem that’s causing your pain. Many doctors are quick to prescribe pain medication, but some pain relievers are addictive and have long-term side effects. 

Although some people need pain medication, physical therapy can help lessen the need for these types of drugs or eliminate the need altogether. A physical therapist will perform an examination to assess your pain and your range of motion.

A skilled physical therapist can determine the right treatments and exercises to get to the root of the problem. Long-term therapies may help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.

Personalized Care

You are unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to pain management doesn’t work. One of the benefits of physical therapy is a personal approach to pain control. 

Your physical therapist should consider your age, health conditions, fitness level, and lifestyle before recommending treatments. A good physical therapist will develop a plan to address your pain and evaluate your progress on a regular basis.

May Eliminate the Need for Surgery

Many doctors are quick to prescribe pain medications, injections, or surgery for patients dealing with chronic pain. Before resorting to addictive drugs or drastic measures, health care professionals should consider the benefits of physical therapy.

Of course, surgery is sometimes necessary, but physical therapy can help some patients avoid surgery. For many people, physical therapy helps to reduce their pain, promote healing, and improve general health.

If you’ve had surgery, physical therapy can help you recover faster and get back to enjoying your life once again.

Regain Strength 

After an injury or extended illness, many people lose the strength they once had. Physical therapy can help you regain your strength and former capabilities. 

Although it takes time, many patients find physical therapy helps ease their pain, improve their strength, and restore their fitness. With regular physical therapy, some patients find significant improvement in their overall health and fitness levels.

Restore Range of Motion 

Injuries, surgeries, arthritis, and other problems can limit mobility and range of motion. Whatever the cause, a physical therapist can evaluate your current ability and work with you to improve your range of motion.

Having difficulty lifting your arms, performing daily tasks, or walking properly can be a frustrating situation for anyone. A physical therapist can suggest exercises to help you gain strength and increase flexibility.

These improvements can lead to less pain, greater range of motion, and a better quality of life.

Cope With Aging 

As we age, the body begins to break down, and conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis can create new challenges. Although you can’t reverse all the effects of aging, physical therapy can help improve pain and the lack of mobility associated with these conditions.

For a patient who has had knee, hip, or joint replacement, physical therapy can make a huge difference. Following replacement surgery, physical therapy helps patients recover faster and get back on the path to a normal life.

Physical therapy is also beneficial for people with neurological impairments such as dementia or Parkinson’s Disease. Medicare Part B covers many types of outpatient physical therapy.

Recovery After an Injury

A car wreck, sports injury, or nasty fall can make life difficult and painful. In many cases, individuals can’t work or complete the daily tasks of living.

Physical therapy is beneficial following an injury. With the right techniques and exercises, a physical therapist can help you begin to recover and gradually return to your former activities. 

Jumping back into your life following an injury can be dangerous and even make your condition worse. A physical therapist can help you pace yourself and follow a safe routine to ease your discomfort and heal from your injury.

Manage Your Pain

After an injury, accident, or surgical procedure, many people face long-term pain issues. Sometimes pain medications are necessary, but it’s important to keep them to a minimum.

Many pain medications are addictive and can cause long-term problems. Physical therapy is a safe alternative for many pain sufferers.

For many, physical therapy helps reduce and even eliminate the need for pain medication.

Being active is one of the best remedies for chronic pain. Physical therapy exercises help pain sufferers in a variety of ways. These exercises help to: