The Benefits of Physical Therapy in Managing Chronic Pain
Finding solutions to manage your chronic pain can be a never-ending battle. However, for many, physical therapy can provide some level of relief. For seniors in particular, physical therapy has several benefits as therapists can often assist with reducing fall risk and addressing balance issues with muscle-strengthening exercises.
The Challenges of Chronic Pain
According to John Hopkins Medicine, pain that lasts more than a few months qualifies as chronic pain. While chronic pain is most common in the spine, it can also irritate the neck, joints, and head. The causes of chronic pain can include the following:
- Arthritis
- Degenerative condition
- Diseases
- Endometriosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Injury
Certain medications can also cause chronic pain as an unfortunate side effect. Yet, the challenges of chronic pain often highlight one’s inability to function comfortably. Chronic pain can be debilitating, affecting one’s ability to sleep, work, or even enjoy hobbies.
5 Benefits of Physical Therapy in Managing Chronic Pain
Physical therapists study to understand how the body works to help improve their clients’ range of motion, movement, and pain symptoms. Below are a handful of benefits physical therapy offers seniors dealing with chronic pain.
1. Manage Pain and Symptoms
Although physical therapists can’t eliminate their clients’ pain, they can help reduce its impact by managing the symptoms. For example, seniors who struggle with ankle pain can use several exercises to increase joint flexibility and promote better use. Although the senior’s ankle might still hurt, the exercises should minimize the pain over time.
2. Prevent Injury Through Education
Physical therapists also help educate their clients on how the body reacts and how specific exercises can help it work better. Sometimes, this type of education can help seniors recognize why they might have pain and work to avoid it in the future. Seniors can also share this information with their loved ones to extend those benefits.
3. Reduce Strain
Range of motion and flexibility can reduce strain on the body, including muscles and bones. Loose ligaments give seniors the freedom to move around without risking pulling a muscle. Reducing strain on the body also helps seniors feel more relaxed.
4. Regain Mobility and Restore Movement
Stiff joints can worsen chronic pain, especially for seniors who don’t move much or very quickly. A physical therapist can help prescribe movement exercises to increase mobility. In addition, these exercises often contribute to reducing fall risk.
5. Reduce Medication Dependence
Taking multiple medications can expose seniors to numerous side effects, not all of them pleasant. However, physical therapy can help seniors reduce their dependence on medication to provide relief without additional side effects.
Helping Seniors Manage Pain and Maintain Their Independence
Although Visiting Angels of Toms River caregivers cannot completely alleviate chronic pain, we strive with every action to ensure our clients experience an improved quality of life. From assisting with daily chores like housekeeping and meal prepping to offering transportation and transfer assistance, our caregivers dedicate themselves to helping you work past the pain to focus on what life has in store. If you’d like to learn more about our caregiving staff or senior home care services, contact us to schedule a free consultation.