It’s not a shock to hear that if you allow pain symptoms to go unaddressed, your body will suffer. Many conditions can restrict your mobility and cause you to begin avoiding your favorite activities. Eventually, you’ll feel a lack of control over your own life, which can be extremely disheartening and exhausting. The endless assault of pain can also lead to extreme mood disorders including depression and anxiety.
Are you not living the life you dream of? You can change that by adjusting your attitude towards your chronic pain condition and start actively seeking out a solution to your problem through physical therapy. Contact our clinic today if you’re dealing with pain symptoms that just won’t quit. Our therapists would be more than happy to assess your condition during a consultation and get you on the right track to feeling your best.
What effects can chronic pain have on your overall wellness?
Chronic pain is a lingering source of distress by definition. It can, and will in most cases, negatively impact your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Pain that goes on for months or years at a time can wreck your routine, self-esteem, stamina, confidence, and willpower — especially if you know that irreversible damage lies at the root of the pain.
Are you experiencing any of the following restrictions or developments in your life? If so, it may be time to seek help from a physical therapist so you can make the necessary changes to your life!
- Lifestyle restrictions. Before you dealt with chronic pain, your life was a lot more fun. Now that you can no longer play your favorite sport, pursue a beloved hobby, play with your kids or work at your job, you feel understandably bored and frustrated. You’ve also noticed your movement abilities have become restricted and the idea of attempting to do certain tasks overwhelms you because of the pain you know will inevitably follow.
- Depression and anxiety. Not understanding what is wrong with your body when it’s hurting can cause lots of stress and worry. There is a clear, well-established link between chronic pain and equally debilitating mood disorders. Major, long-term depression can have negative effects on your health, from sleeplessness and fatigue to difficulty concentrating.
- One study found that 77% of chronic pain sufferers also suffer from depression. The unpredictable or frightening aspects of chronic pain, from its impact on your medical bills to concerns over a serious illness, can also cause intense anxiety or aggravate a pre-existing anxiety disorder.
- Learned helplessness. Chronic pain can lead to a psychological response known as learned helplessness, especially when your chosen pain-fighting techniques aren’t getting results. Eventually, you stop even trying to combat the waves of pain and the limitations that they impose on you. This can make you feel like a burden to your friends and family members or caregivers.
How physical therapy can give you control over your life once more
Physical therapy is an excellent option for people battling chronic pain. These therapists are licensed movement specialists who know how to properly assess and treat various pain conditions and injuries. Simply taking action and trying a new weapon on your chronic pain can make you feel better by giving you back your feeling of control. You’ll feel even better once your physical therapy program starts to tame your pain and restore your mobility!
A caring physical therapist provides you with all kinds of tools, beginning with a better understanding of your pain’s causes and effects. You’ll receive valuable education on how you can use physical therapy for a lifetime of drug-free pain management.
Your physical therapy treatment plan may involve strength training, flexibility exercises, massage, laser therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), dry needling, heat or ice treatments, and acupuncture. These methods can all work together to reduce your pain and inflammation. A long-term physical therapy pain management plan can even include techniques to “rewire” your brain. We can show you how to alter your relationship with your pain, enabling you to pursue your exercises and other treatments with more energy and enthusiasm. As your pain recedes, your mood stabilizes and your sleep quality improves. Best of all, you will feel like you’re the one in control of your life again, and that’s the ultimate goal.
Manage Your Pain, and Manage Your Life
Don’t let chronic pain take over your routine. Contact IMG Physical Therapy to learn more about our pain-busting methods. You’ll be taking the first step toward a happier existence!
Sources:
- https://www.floridamedicalclinic.com/blog/psychological-impact-chronic-pain/
- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/psychology-living-chronic-pain/
- https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/chronic-pain
- https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/2019/5/Feature/ChronicPain/
- http://www.rehabpub.com/2018/02/physical-therapy-can-treat-chronic-pain/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/pt-for-chronic-pain-4179087
