Sometimes pain relief can be accomplished through physical therapy. Physical therapy (PT) involves treatments that focus on the prevention and management of injuries or disabilities. PT helps to relieve pain, promote healing, and restore function and movement.
PT is practiced by a professionally trained physical therapist. A physical therapist is a specialist skilled and educated specifically in the evaluation and conservative management, including rehabilitation, of orthopedic, neurologic, and cardiovascular conditions.
How Is Physical Therapy Used to Treat Pain?
A therapist may focus on decreasing pain with either passive or active therapy. Examples of passive physical therapy include:
- Manual therapies
- Heat/ice packs
- Electrical stimulation, including TENS units
- Ultrasound
- Dry needling
- Cupping
Examples of active physical therapy include:
- Movement-based activities, including stretching and range of motion exercises
- Specific strengthening exercises
- Pain relief exercises
- Low-impact aerobic conditioning
Points to Consider About Physical Therapy and Pain
An important aspect to keep in mind about physical therapy and pain relief is that each individual may respond differently to therapy. People have different types of bodies, different patterns of movement, and different habits. Physical therapists and their trained staff can monitor each individual and attempt to correct improper habits and movement patterns.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Richmond Hill office at (718) 215-1888, or (516) 419-4480 for Long Island office, to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialist, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko.
