Physical Therapists Can Help Relieve Pain

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Physical Therapists Can Help Relieve Pain

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=59818

In light of proposed sterner warning labels for acetaminophen,

aspirin, and ibuprofen by federal health officials, patients may

wish to consider the benefits of physical therapist intervention for

pain relief from certain conditions, according to the American

Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

" Many people are looking for alternatives to the sole use of

medication to deal with painful conditions, " said APTA President R

Ward, PT, PhD. " Pain medication may help you get through

periods of severe pain, but it won't always help you eliminate the

underlying cause of some kinds of pain. For many individuals, it is

the underlying causes such as poor posture and alignment, weak

and/or inflexible muscles, or tight joint structures that actually

exacerbate the painful condition, " Ward explained. " A physical

therapist will perform a complete musculoskeletal examination and

design an individualized treatment program to reduce pain and

improve function. "

There are many types of pain and inflammation that can be reduced by

physical therapist intervention. For example, chronic pain in the

back, shoulder, or knee, or pain associated with certain

degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, can be reduced with

the appropriate combination of medication and exercise. " The

physical therapist, in collaboration with the patient and the

patient's physician, can help the patient manage his or her health

over the long term, " explained Ward.

For pain of a " mechanical " origin such as back, shoulder, or knee

pain, physical therapist intervention may include therapeutic

exercise, manual therapy, and functional training. " The goal of the

physical therapist is to reduce pain, improve the ability to perform

daily activities, and help the patient return to doing the things he

or she likes to do, " said Ward. " It is also true that patients may

unknowingly contribute to their own pain, such as by exercising

improperly or with poor posture, and physical therapists can

identify and help to correct those behaviors. " Ward added, " Through

the use of home programs designed to fit the patient's needs, the

physical therapist can efficiently progress the patient's

rehabilitation and teach the patient how to prevent a recurrence of

the original condition. "

For osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease of the cartilage and

bone, physical therapist intervention may include exercises for

strength, flexibility, range of motion, and the use of devices

designed to rest or support the joint, such as orthotics or splints.

Physical therapists, who treat nearly 1 million people every day,

work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it

occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for

healthier and more active lifestyles. Many insurance policies also

cover post-rehabilitation gym programs. " Most people who desire a

fitness plan are not athletes, " Ward explained. " They are 'ordinary

people' who exercise lightly to moderately. Many have a prior health

condition, such as chronic low back pain, that can benefit greatly

from physical therapist management focused on increasing muscle

strength and endurance, restoring and improving range of motion in

joints, increasing cardiovascular endurance, and decreasing muscle

and joint pain. " The physical therapist individualizes exercise

programs based on functional limitations as a result of injury or

illness.

For more information on physical therapy or to find a physical

therapist near you, please visit http://www.apta.org/consumer.

The American Physical Therapy Association (http://www.apta.org) is a

national professional organization representing more than 70,000

physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students.

Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice,

research, and education.

American Physical Therapy Association

http://www.apta.org