Chronic Pain Relief In Omaha, Nebraska

Chronic pain is a serious health condition that can be detrimental to all aspects of your life. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may feel like there's no hope. As a result, you may be tempted to try prescription drugs or surgery, but before you do, consider physical therapy.  

Physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain. Physical therapists work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that includes exercises, stretches, and other activities that can help reduce your pain.  

Physical therapy can also help you improve your range of motion, strength, and flexibility. In addition, physical therapists can also teach you how to manage your pain to live a full and active life. 

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than 12 weeks. A variety of injuries or conditions can cause chronic pain, including:  

• Arthritis – Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Arthritis can cause pain in any joint in the body, but it is most common in the hips, knees, and hands. 
• Back Pain – Back pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain. Back pain can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease. 
• Fibromyalgia – Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain in the muscles and joints. Fibromyalgia can also cause fatigue, sleep problems, and mood changes. 
• Headache – Headaches are a common type of chronic pain. There are many different kinds of headaches, including tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. 
• Neuropathy – Neuropathy is a condition that causes damage to the nerves. This can lead to pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected area.  

Chronic pain can be very debilitating and interfere with your ability to work, sleep, and participate in everyday activities. If you're suffering from chronic pain, you may feel like you've tried everything to get relief. As a result, you may be tempted to try prescription drugs or surgery, but before you do, consider physical therapy. 

Physical Therapy is Effective for Chronic Pain

Many studies show physical therapy is an effective treatment for chronic pain. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that physical therapy is more effective than surgery for treating chronic low back pain. 

Chronic pain is a long-lasting type of pain that continues without showing signs of improvement. Here are the most common symptoms of chronic pain ailments:  

Arthritis: 

• Joint pain 
• Stiffness 
• Inflammation  

Back Pain: 

• Muscle aches and spasms 
• Sharp, shooting, or dull pain 
• Pain that radiates down the legs  

Fibromyalgia: 

• Widespread muscle pain and tenderness  

Headache: 

• throbbing pain 
• sensitivity to light and sound 
• nausea  

Neuropathy: 

• pain 
• burning sensation 
• numbness or tingling sensation  

So if you're suffering from any of these symptoms, physical therapy may be able to help.  

Unfortunately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment for chronic pain. Instead, a physical therapist will customize your treatment plan to meet your specific needs. However, most treatment plans will include a combination of exercises, stretches, and other activities.  

Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs and goals. Treatment may include:  

• Exercise: is the primary therapy tool in treating chronic pain because it can help your body strength and mobility. Consider exercise to be a feedback loop. The brain controls your movements, so exercise is input from your brain. When you can move with little discomfort, your brain learns that the activity isn't harmful. This encouraging feedback allows you to go further and faster with less pain. As a result, while you build strength and mobility, you also teach your delicate nervous system to trust that the action is safe. 
• Ultrasound: a type of deep heat therapy that you may receive while going through PT. It's applied to your skin and, as your body's tissues get heated, it's supposed to enhance circulation and blood flow. It's crucial to remember that ultrasound has not been proven effective treatment for chronic pain. Regardless, you could expect this therapy during your PT sessions. 
• TENS: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a pain relief technique that uses electricity to block pain 
• Massage: Some physical therapists employ massage techniques to decrease pain by improving muscular blood flow and relieving tightness. 
• Acupuncture: a form of traditional Chinese medicine often used to relieve pain. It involves the insertion of thin needles into your skin at specific points on your body. 
• Cold Laser Therapy: This is a newer type of treatment that uses light to stimulate healing in your body. It's often used for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy. 
• Lifestyle Changes: In addition to physical therapy treatments, your therapist may also recommend lifestyle changes to help you manage your chronic pain. These could include changes to your diet, sleep habits, and stress levels.  

Each of these treatments is designed to achieve a specific goal. Therefore, you must discuss the intent of the treatment with your physical therapist, so you know what to expect.  

Your physical therapist will also recommend treatments that you can do at home to help manage your pain. These may include heat or cold therapy, massage, and relaxation techniques. 

The possibility of becoming addicted to painkillers is a genuine concern for many people. Unfortunately, it can cause more issues than it helps. Physical therapy is a proven safe and effective alternative to pain killers and surgery.   

Surgery is also a risky and expensive option, and the recovery time of often long.    

Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment as effective as surgery and pain killers. Physical therapists are highly trained professionals who can help you manage your chronic pain.  

If you're suffering from chronic pain, consider physical therapy—it may well be the best option for you. 

If you're suffering from chronic pain, don't give up hope. Physical therapy can help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with a physical therapist today to get started on your road to recovery.  

At Nebraska Accident and Injury Clinic, we excel at treating chronic pain through physical therapy. Furthermore, we work directly with your insurance company to guarantee that you do not pay anything out of pocket!