Chronic pain is a complicated symptom to address in patients. Everyone experiences pain differently and pain itself can be caused by a wide variety of factors. The important first step, of course, is to diagnose the pain. Where is it coming from? How does the pain feel? These are questions that need to be asked in order to develop a successful treatment approach. In this physical therapy education article, we are going to talk about what to do if chronic pain is bringing you down and preventing you from living life to the fullest.
Addressing the Underlying Problem
When dealing with chronic pain, many people (doctors and patients alike) rely on opioid painkillers to combat the pain. On top of being highly addictive, opioids are a short-term “band-aid” solution for chronic pain. They may work to reduce the pain for hours, days, or weeks at a time, but they don’t treat the underlying problem causing the pain. For long-term pain relief, you have to address the root cause of your pain and take steps to mend it. This is at the core of physical therapy. We work with our patients to evaluate the underlying cause of the pain and other symptoms, and then use the information gathered to form a strategy to address the underlying problem.
Physical Therapy Appointments in Minnesota
At OrthoRehab Specialists, our physical therapists provide a wide range of treatment options for patients recovering from injuries, conditions, and surgical procedures. No matter what your situation, we can help increase your mobility and range-of-motion, while decreasing your pain and addressing the root of the problem. Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our Minnesota physical therapy experts. Our primary clinics are located in Minneapolis and Edina, but we work with patients throughout the Twin Cities metro area.