Chronic pain is a complex condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, causing prolonged discomfort and impairing their quality of life. Unlike acute pain, which typically subsides as an injury heals, chronic pain persists for an extended period, often without a clear resolution. Whether it stems from an unresolved injury or an underlying biological factor, chronic pain demands specialized attention and comprehensive treatment.
The journey to understanding and managing chronic pain begins by unraveling its diverse origins. We examine the multifaceted nature of this condition, recognizing that each case requires a personalized approach to address its unique underlying factors. From the impact of past injuries that haven’t fully healed to the influence of biological symptoms, our exploration sheds light on the complexities surrounding chronic pain.
By delving into the realm of chronic pain and the role of physiotherapy in its management, this article aims to provide valuable insights and guidance to individuals seeking relief. Whether you are personally grappling with chronic pain or are seeking information for a loved one, understanding the complexities of this condition and the benefits of physiotherapy can be a crucial step toward reclaiming a life free from persistent pain.
Chronic pain is a type of persistent pain that lasts for much longer than expected. This could happen because of an injury that didn’t completely heal, or a biological symptom that creates pain.
Depending on why you are receiving chronic pain, your physiotherapy treatment will look different.
For physiotherapy Melbourne, we suggest contacting Alignement Studio.
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Contents
Common Causes Of Chronic Pain
- Arthritis
- Lower Back Problems
- Nerve Damage
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Headaches
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
You could receive this pain anywhere in your body, and although this list covers the most likely causes, it doesn’t cover them all.
Physiotherapy doesn’t aim to cure the reason for your pain. Instead, it aims to reduce the pain and make it more manageable.
When your physiotherapist understands why you are feeling pain, they can change their treatment to something that works best for you.
Exercise is often the best option. Although most people would prefer to lie still, taking a painkiller, and hugging a hot bottle, movement can help build strength in these areas, which in turn can lower your body’s stress.
Although this is a general rule, your physiotherapist still needs to understand why you are in pain, and how that pain affects you. If exercise isn’t an option, how else can they help?
The Difference Between Acute And Chronic Pain
For your physiotherapist to best understand your situation, they need to know where your pain is and how your pain acts.
Acute Pain
It can be confused with chronic pain. It comes in short spurts. It normally means something is wrong and you need urgent attention.
However, sometimes acute pain can be so quick or minor that we ignore it.
It can feel like chronic pain if you ignore it often enough that the issue has become more apparent, and those short bursts turn into constant pain. For example, a snapped Achilles heel will only cause you pain when walking. Although it offers an enormous amount of suffering, some people ignore this pain if they stay seated for long periods.
In situations like this, a doctor is needed to fix and mend your affected areas. This isn’t the place for pain relief but for curing the issue.
Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain is long-term. Most soft tissue injuries are expected to heal in either weeks or months. However, if your pain continues for over 3 months, then specialists will label it as “chronic”.
Some people experience chronic pain in spurts. They may have pain for months at a time, and then nothing for a couple of months before the pain returns. Although the pain stopped for a while, this is still considered chronic.
The main difference between the two concepts is the need for urgent care. Acute pain is related to an issue in the body that needs seeing. It occurs after an injury has healed or through a disorder that cannot be healed. Either way, no urgent care can help remove the pain.
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Which Physiotherapy For Which Pain
Depending on where the pain is or how it affects you your treatment will be different.
Therapeutic Massage
Massage therapy is designed to release tension in the muscles. Sport-related injuries are often recommended for this therapy but any muscle-based strain will see a benefit.
Massages promote blood flow, regulate swelling, remove toxins, and prevent spasms or cramps.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is performed by highly skilled professionals to work with specialized areas of the body.
This option is best for people with mobility issues such as stiff joints or a limited range of motion. It also reduces muscle tension and soft tissue inflammation.
Movement Therapy
Movement therapy is a type of safe exercise program for those who need to strengthen their fitness. This is often prescribed for people post-surgery, post-natal, with poor motor skills.
This hands-on approach is designed to make your muscles and movement stronger.
Posture Correction
Posture correction helps those with pain around their back when sitting. This is a common issue for people working at a computer often, sitting in low seats, or those with injuries around the spine.
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Final Thoughts
These aren’t the only physiotherapy treatments on offer, but they are the most common. This type of therapy will either train you to strengthen your muscles which in turn can reduce pain from tension or stress. Or, it will remove the tension and inflammation to reduce pain.
Most of the time, these treatments need to be continued at home to help reduce chronic pain.
