Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain: What to Expect
Physical therapists have a lot of training. Still, it’s a good idea to ask them about their experience in working with people who’ve had conditions like yours. You can also ask them how many sessions you’ll need.
How Does Physical Therapy Treat Pain?
Physical therapists are experts not only in treating pain but also its source. Yours will look for areas of weakness or stiffness that may be adding stress to the places that hurt. And they will treat those areas with certain exercises to reduce pain and help you move better.
In a physical therapy session, you may do more than one of these things:
Low-impact aerobic training. These workouts will rev up your heart rate and still take it easy on your joints. For instance, you might walk fast or use a stationary bike to warm up, instead of running, before you do your strengthening exercises.
Strengthening exercises. You might use machines with your physical therapist’s office, resistance bands, or your own body weight (think lunges, squats, and push-ups). You may work on your core muscles (belly, glutes, and back), as well as other parts of your body.
Pain relief exercises. These moves target areas where you have pain, so you’re stronger and more flexible — which should make it easier to live your life.
Stretching. This will be gentle, and your therapist will make sure that you’re warmed up and you don’t stretch too far.
More About BackFit
Do you want to know more? Explore our locations, treatments, or our new patient offering below or contact one of the BackFit staff members to have your questions answered.
