Persistent Chronic Pain usually develops after an illness or minor injury. Instead of improving over time, the pain often increases. As chronic pain develops you may feel that moving, working or even the activities of daily living may become more difficult. Over time, chronic pain sufferers often feel depressed, and develop a sense of frustration and helplessness. Chronic Pain is often defined as pain that goes beyond an expected period of healing (more than three to six months).
Contact Dynamic Physiotherapy Today to Start Chronic Pain Treatment
It is estimated that up to one in five Canadians experience chronic pain at some point in their lifetimes. Many chronic pain sufferers say that pain interferes with their work life. Treating chronic pain is different than treating pain that is acute. Treatments that help treat acute pain are not the same as those that would be more effective for chronic pain. Often the pain may not come from the injured area, but instead comes from how the body and brain senses pain. Chronic pain sufferers often are super-sensitive to normal things such as touch and movement, which makes everyday tasks such as walking, sitting or getting out of bed very painful. Stress and anxiety also can have a contributing effect.
Treatment for chronic pain first begins with a comprehensive assessment to help determine the root cause(s) of the pain. During the initial assessment, things such as medical history are discussed, including any underlying or pre-existing injury or disease. We go through personal experiences that may have contributed to chronic pain, such as previous treatments and their effectiveness, to pain symptoms, such as frequency of pain, severity of pain and intensity of pain. Each client is assessed and treatment may vary depending on factors that have contributed to their chronic pain. Once an assessment has been completed, then a treatment plan can be implemented that may include several modalities to both manage and treat chronic pain. Treatment options at our facility include:
Any and/or all of these modalities can be effective in treating chronic pain. Chronic pain treatment may take longer overall to treat, as these conditions are those that have taken time to develop. Treatment would consist of reducing pain and discomfort, improving mobility and range of motion, as well as focusing on and treating the root cause(s) of the pain.
Physiotherapy will help to relieve pain using specific techniques that help improve movement and function. Physiotherapists may use modalities such as IFC (Interferential Treatment), Ultrasound, Acuscope Pain-Management System or Shockwave Therapy.
Massage Therapy is the physical treatment which involves the use of pressure, movement and vibration on the body to relieve tension and promote healing. Massage therapy is used to promote relaxation and a sense of well-being, and massage therapy affects the muscular, nervous and circulatory system to optimize the health of the whole body.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option to help relieve pain and promote relaxation. Many experts believe that acupuncture causes a release of endorphins in the body that stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, increasing blood flow and boosting the body’s natural painkillers.
On the initial assessment, the therapist will discuss treatment options and a treatment plan. The therapist may consider using a combination of therapies to speed up the healing process, reducing pain and muscle spasm, and increasing range of motion and mobility. If you have any questions about chronic pain treatment contact the experts at Dynamic Physiotherapy today.
