Living with Chronic Pain? Look for Physiotherapy Near Me

Introduction

Chronic pain is increasingly common, affecting an estimated 10-20% of the population who report experiencing chronic or recurrent pain. This type of pain is a significant cause of human suffering and disability. Interestingly, the factors that predict whether acute pain will become chronic are not related to biological indicators such as physical examination results or X-ray changes. Instead, they are linked to psychosocial variables like mood, stress, and the social context in which the pain occurs.

When chronic pain persists despite medical treatment, the situation becomes even more complicated. Patients often find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of pain that is not merely due to disease progression. Individuals in pain, especially when it worsens with movement, tend to avoid activities that provoke symptoms. Although resting might seem helpful, it actually leads to secondary stiffness and weakness, exacerbating the symptoms.

This loss of function can lead to diminished self-esteem and role identity, potentially causing financial hardship, strained relationships, medication side effects, and sleep deprivation.The Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 examined “years lived with disability” (YLDs)—a measure combining prevalence with a disability-weighting factor—for various diseases and injuries across 188 countries. The study found that chronic low back pain was the leading cause of YLDs worldwide, followed by major depressive disorder. Other common causes included chronic neck pain, migraine, osteoarthritis, other musculoskeletal disorders, and medication overuse headaches.

To address these issues, physiotherapy plays an important role in managing chronic pain. Seeking physiotherapy treatment can be a crucial step in alleviating pain and preventing it from diminishing your quality of life. You can search for “physiotherapy near me” to find local treatment options.

What is Pain?

Pain is an uncomfortable sensory and emotional experience. Each person experiences pain differently, even if the causes are similar. Pain is deeply personal, and an individual’s description of their pain is the most accurate measure. It can vary from mild to severe and may include sensations such as pricking, tingling, stinging, burning, shooting, aching, or electric-like feelings.Pain is one of the most critical signals our body uses to ensure our survival. It can alert us to harmful changes.

Physiology 

Pain begins when specialized receptors called nociceptors detect harmful stimuli, such as heat, pressure, or chemicals. These nociceptors generate electrical signals that travel through peripheral nerves to the spinal cord. In the spinal cord, the signals can be amplified or reduced before being relayed to the brain. Once in the brain, the signals reach the thalamus and then various regions, including the somatosensory cortex (for identifying pain), the limbic system (for emotional response), and the prefrontal cortex (for processing). The brain interprets these signals as pain, leading to reactions like withdrawing from the source of pain and physiological responses such as increased heart rate.

Chronic pain

Chronic pain endures for more than three months or exceeds the typical healing period. Sometimes, an acute pain condition may persist and evolve into chronic pain. In other instances, chronic pain arises without any apparent reason. Individuals may suffer from multiple chronic pain conditions simultaneously, or experience both chronic and acute pain at the same time.

Risk factors for chronic pain 

Chronic pain can result from various conditions or injuries, and several risk factors increase the likelihood of experiencing it. Genetics play a role, as some causes like migraines tend to run in families. Obesity can worsen conditions like arthritis due to added pressure on joints. Age is another factor, with older individuals more prone to conditions such as arthritis and neuropathy. Previous injuries can lead to chronic pain later on, and physically demanding jobs increase the risk as well. Stress, including frequent stress and post-traumatic stress disorder, is linked to chronic pain. Lastly, smoking heightens the risk of developing conditions that require chronic pain treatment.

Complications of chronic pain

Chronic pain can have a profound impact on an individual’s overall well-being, leading to various complications:

1. Decreased Quality of Life: Persistent pain can hinder daily activities, limit mobility, and reduce the ability to engage in hobbies and social interactions, leading to a diminished overall quality of life.
2. Depression: The ongoing struggle with pain can lead to feelings of hopelessness and sadness, contributing to clinical depression. The constant burden of pain can make it difficult to enjoy life and can alter one’s mood and outlook.
3. Anxiety: Chronic pain often brings about anxiety due to the uncertainty of pain flare-ups and the potential for worsening conditions. This anxiety can exacerbate the perception of pain and create a vicious cycle.
4. Substance Abuse Disorders: In an effort to manage pain, some individuals may turn to medications or substances, leading to dependency or addiction. The misuse of pain medication can further complicate health and life situations.
5. Worsening of Existing Chronic Disease: Chronic pain can exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. The stress and physical toll of constant pain can negatively affect the management and progression of other chronic illnesses.
6. Increased Risk of Suicidal Ideation and Suicide: The relentless nature of chronic pain can lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. The psychological burden of managing long-term pain can be overwhelming and lead some individuals to contemplate or commit suicide.

Management of chronic pain 

Change in lifestyle 

Making lifestyle changes and taking good care of yourself can significantly help manage chronic pain. The following actions can help you cope with chronic pain and improve your overall health:

1. Avoid Smoking: Smoking can worsen pain and impede healing, so quitting smoking is beneficial for pain management.
2. Pace Yourself: Avoid overexertion by creating a daily schedule with a few priorities and ample time for rest and self-care.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet can reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being.
4. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps maintain strength and flexibility, and can reduce pain and improve mood.
5. Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for healing and managing pain.
6. Manage Stress: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises can help reduce stress and alleviate pain.
7. Join a Support Group: Connecting with others with similar conditions can provide emotional support and practical tips for managing pain.
8. Limit Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake can improve sleep quality and reduce pain.
9. Think Positively: Maintaining a positive outlook can improve coping strategies and overall quality of life.

Physiotherapy managements

1. Patient education: Teaching patients about the nature of chronic pain and how to manage it effectively.
2. Manual therapy: Techniques such as massage, mobilization, and manipulation to relieve pain and improve mobility.
3. Therapeutic electrical modalities: Use of heat, cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation (e.g., TENS) to reduce pain and inflammation.

TENS : Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) helps reduce pain by using electrical currents to stimulate nerves. In conventional TENS, high-frequency (100 Hz or more), low-intensity, and short-duration pulses (50–80 microseconds) are used. This setup targets specific nerve fibers called Aβ fibers, which help block pain signals from other nerve fibers (Aδ and C fibers) that carry pain sensations to the spinal cord.

1. General exercises: To progressively build up a patient’s tolerance and confidence for daily activities or sports. For example, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, cycling can help improve overall fitness and reduce pain sensitivity.
   
   
2. Specific exercises: To mobilize tight and stiff body regions and gradually develop normal movement control. For example, strengthening and stretching exercises target specific muscles. It can improve muscle strength to support and stabilize joints, reducing stress and strain. It can improve the range of motion and reduce stiffness in muscles and joints.
   
   
3. Hydrotherapy: To build up strength, reduce stiffness and pain.
   
   
4. Relaxation Techniques: Physiotherapists will teach patients relaxation positions and breathing exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness to reduce stress and pain perception.
   
   
5. Graded exposure, pacing: There are often particular activities that are challenging, painful and sometimes avoided for fear of causing damage. With knowledge of pain and confidence to move, patients can gradually re-engage with these activities. Pacing means that we set a baseline and work towards the patient’s goal. Physiotherapists will encourage patients to balance activity and rest to avoid overexertion and flare-ups.

Benefits of physiotherapy in chronic pain

Physiotherapy offers multiple benefits for managing chronic pain and improving overall health:

1. Reducing Pain: Physiotherapy techniques can alleviate pain, decreasing stress on affected areas and enabling gradual increases in activity.
2. Increasing Flexibility and Mobility: By enhancing joint range of motion, physiotherapy helps people move more easily and freely.
3. Reducing Stiffness: Improved joint mobility reduces stiffness, facilitating easier movement.
4. Improving Strength: Exercises boost muscle strength, reducing the stress and strain on joints.
5. Improving Function: Enhanced range of motion, strength, and flexibility make daily activities like sitting or dressing less painful and difficult.
6. Improving Quality of Life: Increased activity, independence, and control contribute to a better quality of life.
7. Improving Sleep: Reduced pain and increased physical activity from physiotherapy can enhance sleep quality, aiding recovery and decreasing pain levels.

FAQs

1. How can physiotherapy help with chronic pain?

Physiotherapy can reduce chronic pain by using techniques such as manual therapy, exercises, and education to improve mobility and decrease discomfort.

2. What should I expect during my first physiotherapy session for chronic pain?

Your first session will include an assessment of your pain, medical history, and physical condition, followed by a personalized treatment plan to manage your pain.

3. How do I find the best physiotherapy near me for chronic pain management?

Look for licensed physiotherapists with experience in treating chronic pain, check reviews, and seek recommendations from your doctor or community.

4. How many physiotherapy sessions are needed to see improvement in chronic pain?

The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of your pain, but many patients start noticing improvements after a few consistent visits.

5. Is physiotherapy covered by insurance for chronic pain treatment?

Most insurance plans cover physiotherapy for chronic pain, but it’s best to confirm with your provider for specific coverage details.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are experiencing chronic pain, seeing a physiotherapist can be highly beneficial. Synapse Physiotherapy offers personalized treatment plans that include pain relief techniques, exercise therapy, education, and lifestyle modifications