Constant chronic pain is more than just annoying. It can be exhausting, overwhelming, and even debilitating.
In a report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2020, one in five people over 45 experiences chronic pain and are five times as likely to be limited in their daily lives compared to those without.
But what can you do about it? In this article, we’ll detail what physiotherapy is and how it may help. With the right care, it may improve your functionality, reduce pain, and support your overall well-being.
For personalised advice or to see a physio in Rosanna, contact our team at Excel Body & Health today.
Understanding Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a form of physical therapy that focuses on using physical or manual techniques to adjust the body. The aim is to alleviate pain, improve function, and manage existing conditions.
As physiotherapy is a form of healthcare, you may find yourself wondering: Are physiotherapists doctors? The answer is that physiotherapists are not doctors; however, they are qualified and registered as healthcare professionals.
This means they have an in-depth understanding of how the body works and the best ways to potentially support it. The musculoskeletal and nervous systems are intrinsically entwined. When one is out of balance, it may affect the rest.
With this understanding, physiotherapists work to identify the cause of your pain and address it.
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain doesn’t just mean pain that lasts for years. It refers to any form of pain that has lasted for at least three months. Likewise, it may be caused by various conditions, injuries, or illnesses.
Some of the most common causes or types of chronic pain include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Nerve pain
- Cancer
Likewise, it may feel different for different people depending on the cause. Some people may experience constant aches or stiffness, while others experience throbbing or burning sensations.
If left untreated, chronic pain may begin to affect your daily life. It may lead to increased fatigue, mood swings, insomnia, and other mental health concerns.
How May Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy uses a variety of techniques that may address and improve your chronic pain. Here, we’ll outline the different methods and what they aim to do to help.
1. Manual Therapy
First, your physiotherapist will assess your body and medical history to identify the best potential course of action. They may then use manual therapy to support your overall health and address the cause of your concern.
Manual therapy uses a variety of techniques. However, it typically involves guided stretching and hands-on muscle manipulation. This aims to improve mobility and manage and reduce pain.
2. Joint Mobilisation
Joint mobilisation is a manual therapy technique. It involves your physiotherapist holding the limb steady and applying pressure near or around the joint. Likewise, they may manipulate the joint in slow, controlled movements.
This aims to stretch restricted or tense muscles. It may then relieve muscle tension and pain while potentially improving your range of motion.
3. Soft Tissue Massage
Soft tissue massage is a physiotherapy technique that aims to target the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Unlike regular massage, this is a clinical technique designed to relieve tension and improve function.
Through gentle manipulation, this may also relieve muscle pain and stress on the muscle.
4. Exercise Plans
Often, physiotherapists tailor exercise plans to suit the patient’s needs, goals, and preferences. This aims to strengthen the body and improve flexibility gradually.
This may reduce the impact of your chronic pain and support your overall well-being. Depending on the cause, it may also help target the underlying source of your pain.
5. Dry Needling
Dry needling involves your physiotherapist gently inserting sterile needles into your skin. These needles are specifically placed to target trigger points along the body.
This may relieve muscle tension and promote better circulation for a faster recovery. It may also improve joint mobilisation and flexibility. By doing so, this may help to alleviate and manage your chronic pain.
6. Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate muscles and blood flow. Your physiotherapist may use a specific tool, applied to the skin, that then dispenses the sound waves.
This method may cause numbness, which may help manage pain and offer relief. Likewise, improved blood flow may promote your recovery and reduce inflammation.
Most treatments only last for 10 to 15 minutes, making it a fast method of addressing chronic pain.
Find Real Support at Excel Body & Health
At Excel Body & Health, we take pride in supporting our local Rosanna community and its surrounding suburbs.
With years of experience, we are familiar with a wide range of physiotherapy techniques. In addition to tailored treatment, we apply these techniques to a range of chronic pain conditions. Reach out and book an appointment today.
