How Physical Therapy Can Help you Live Pain-Free

Many people living with chronic pain resort to relying solely on medication to alleviate symptoms. The truth is, medication can provide only temporary relief and often falls short in addressing the root causes of discomfort.

Physical therapy offers a holistic and non-invasive approach focusing on long-term healing, functionality, and education. By exploring the benefits of Pilates-based physical therapy, you can take a proactive step towards more natural pain relief, embracing a healthier and more fulfilling life.

What’s chronic pain, and how can it affect you?

Unlike acute pain, which is a normal response to an injury or illness and typically subsides as the underlying issue heals, chronic pain persists for an extended period, often lasting for months or even years. It can result from various underlying causes, such as injuries, medical conditions, nerve damage, or even as a condition in itself, without any obvious cause. 

Chronic pain often manifests with ongoing aches that may be dull, throbbing, or sharp and don’t improve with rest or traditional pain management techniques. If left untreated, it may lead to additional health complications, including:

• Reduced mobility. You may experience decreased range of motion and muscle stiffness, making it difficult to perform everyday activities.
• Emotional distress. Chronic pain can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, and frustration.
• Sleep disturbances. Chronic pain often interferes with sleep, making it difficult to get the much needed rest.
• Cognitive impairment. Some people with chronic pain report difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making, i.e., brain fog.
• Appetite and weight changes. Weight gain or loss can be due to stress, depression, the inability to exercise without aggravating the injury, or pain-relief medicine.
• Social isolation. Due to your condition, you may find it challenging to engage in social activities.
  
  

Chronic Conditions That Can Benefit From Physical Therapy

Here are some common chronic conditions that can be effectively treated with physical therapy.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the joints and can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Physical therapy can help in managing arthritis by providing exercises and techniques for maintaining joint flexibility, strengthening and supporting the muscles, and alleviating pain. Through targeted exercises and joint mobilization, Nexus physical therapists in Carmel can enhance the range of motion and improve the quality of life for people living with arthritis.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. By focusing on gentle exercises, stretching, and relaxation techniques to improve your flexibility and reduce pain, physical therapy can help in the management of fibromyalgia.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a condition that affects the spine and results in chronic back pain. While surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases, many people find relief and recovery through physical therapy. 

Physical therapists use various techniques, such as heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with disc herniation, helping you regain mobility more comfortably. Pilates-based physical therapy exercises target the core muscles, strengthening and stabilizing the spine, thus supporting the injured disc.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a common condition that affects the intervertebral discs in the spine. Despite its name, it’s not necessarily a disease but rather a natural part of aging. It can, however, result in debilitating symptoms such as:

• Persistent, dull, or sharp pain in the lower back,
• Pain that can radiate into the buttocks, thighs, and even down into the legs,
• Muscle weakness and loss of function,
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.

Physical therapy offers a non-invasive, holistic approach to managing Degenerative disc disease by helping individuals regain function and improve their overall well-being.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a complex condition that is characterized by damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves and can result from various causes, including diabetes, chemotherapy, infections, and nerve injuries.

People suffering from neuropathy often experience sensations of numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the affected areas, typically in the hands and feet. Neuropathy can further cause persistent burning pain, weakened muscles, difficulty with fine motor skills, and disturbed coordination and balance. While the condition can be challenging to treat, physical therapy can help reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

Lifestyle Habits That Might Benefit from Physical Therapy

Beyond addressing injuries and medical conditions, physical therapy plays a pivotal role in improving our overall lifestyle habits.

Posture Correction

Poor posture can often result from spending long hours in sedentary positions and activities that involve little movement, such as hunching over our computers and smartphones. Unfortunately, posture issues also increase our risk of neck and back pain.

A Pilates-based physical therapist at Nexus Studio can assess your posture and guide you on corrective exercises and ergonomic adjustments to help you maintain better alignment, alleviate discomfort, prevent injuries, and further posture-related issues.

Active Aging

As we age, it’s essential to address any nagging pain proactively to maintain an active lifestyle and functional independence. Pilates-based physical therapists specialize in helping older adults stay active and mobile by designing programs to improve balance, strength, and flexibility.

Injury Prevention

Preventing injuries is essential for maintaining an active lifestyle and avoiding setbacks. You shouldn’t wait until you are experiencing pain to see a physical therapist. Physical therapists such as those at Nexus can assess your movement patterns and identify areas of weakness or imbalance that may predispose you to injuries. We can create customized exercise programs to target those areas, reducing the risk of future falls and injuries.

Weight Management

Chronic pain can hinder physical activity and lead to weight gain. However, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for managing chronic pain, as excess weight can put additional strain on the joints and exacerbate pain. Physical therapists can help with weight management by addressing chronic pain that may be contributing to your weight gain. We specialize in pain management techniques, helping you reduce discomfort and making it easier to stay active.

How does physical therapy help combat chronic pain and promote healing?

While chronic pain may not always be curable, various treatment options are available to help you manage your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and regain some control over your pain. Even though medications and surgery are the most common approaches to managing chronic pain, physical therapy offers a holistic, non-invasive solution that addresses the root causes of pain and provides lasting relief. 

At Nexus Studio, we work closely with you to understand your medical history and lifestyle. This helps us identify the source and nature of the chronic pain and tailor a personalized treatment plan.

We use a combination of techniques, including manual therapy, exercise, ultrasound or shockwave therapy. The focus of these interventions is on improving joint mobility, muscle strength, and flexibility and alleviating muscle tension, stiffness, and chronic pain. We teach patients proper body mechanics and postural adjustments to reduce stress on the affected areas and prevent further discomfort from poor posture.

Nexus Physical Therapists in Carmel

Nexus Studio is a Pilates-based physical therapy and movement studio, practicing holistic well-being for mind and body in Carmel, Monterey.

If left untreated, chronic pain can significantly impact your physical and emotional well-being, often leading to disability, reduced quality of life, and emotional struggles. Pilates-based physical therapy can be a proactive approach to prevent additional health issues and complications stemming from chronic pain and maintain overall well-being.

You deserve a life without pain. Contact Nexus Studio, physical therapists in Carmel, to see how physical therapy can help you achieve a pain-free life.