Managing Chronic Pain with Physical Therapy: A Holistic Approach

Chronic pain. It can start from an injury, or arthritis, but there are many causes, including nerve-related conditions. Chronic pain affects millions worldwide, often debilitating those who suffer from it, affecting mobility, and flexibility. If you suffer from chronic pain, you know it can persist for weeks, months, or even years—affecting your quality of life.  

Are you searching for relief? Medication can provide some temporary relief, but if you haven’t considered physical therapy, you may be missing a sustainable and holistic approach to managing your chronic pain. Here’s how it works.

The role of physical therapy. Physical therapists (PT) are an integrated part of your care team at Viaro. They help to improve how your body moves and performs and can help you manage symptoms like the pain, stiffness, and discomfort of chronic pain. The first step is a comprehensive assessment to help you and the PT to understand the pain's origins, your triggers, and the impact on your daily activities.  

Personal and individualized. For you. Based on the assessment, the PT works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. It’s the next step, and it’s carefully crafted just for you, incorporating specific techniques and exercises. Therapy can be hands-on like massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation. These therapies can alleviate your pain by reducing muscle tension and improving joint function. 

Other types of therapies, also known as modalities, can include dry needling and electrical stimulation. Dry needling is a technique used as part of the larger treatment plan that trained physical therapists use to treat pain and movement issues. During this treatment, your PT inserts thin, sharp needles through your skin to treat trigger points. The pain management plan often includes exercise, stretching, massage and other techniques. These are all used to manage pain and enhance tissue healing. 

Reducing pain through exercise. For those suffering from chronic pain, exercise can seem overwhelming, but your PT specializes in guiding you though these very effective treatment strategies:  

• Strength Training. Targeted exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your affected areas, improving your stability, and reducing strain.
• Flexibility and Range of Motion. Stretching routines enhance flexibility, easing stiffness and enhancing your mobility. 
• Cardiovascular Exercise. Activities like walking or cycling stimulate circulation, which can alleviate your pain by promoting healing. 

Long-term relief. If you suffer from chronic pain, it’s worth a try. Unlike temporary fixes, physical therapy aims for sustained pain management through gradual improvement and lifestyle changes. By addressing the underlying issues, physical therapy often reduces the need for pain medications. And it enhances your mobility, allowing you to perform daily activities with greater ease and independence. For many chronic pain sufferers, it may feel like a miracle. 

Great expectations. Your PT is an expert. They can help you understand pain mechanisms, empowering you to manage your symptoms effectively. They will give you guidance on posture, ergonomics, and adaptive equipment that minimizes strain and supports long-term pain management.  

Stress makes pain worse. Not to be underestimated, your PT gives you psychological support. Using strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy, the PT can address negative thought patterns and promote positive coping strategies. Your PT can also guide you in mind-body techniques, using relaxation exercises, meditation, and mindfulness to reduce stress.  

Lastly. Physical therapy stands as a cornerstone in the management of chronic pain, offering a multifaceted approach that addresses both physical limitations and emotional well-being. By empowering you through education, personalized treatment plans, and a focus on long-term functionality, your PT plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of your life, particularly if you are battling chronic pain. 

If this speaks to you as one with chronic pain, incorporating physical therapy into a comprehensive pain management strategy not only relieves symptoms but fosters resilience and restores hope for a brighter, pain-free future.  

Paul Reuteman, PT, DPT, OCS 

Physical Therapist, ViaroCare 

For questions or comments, contact wellness@viarohealth.com  

Contact ViaroCare. Physical therapy is an integrated service in primary care. Viaro’s Doctor of Physical therapy, Paul Reuteman, is available on request to talk to you about your pain and other musculoskeletal concerns.