Chronic Pain Treatment Watford : How Physical Therapy Can Help
If you experience chronic pain, you may have been advised to stay as active as possible. However, this can be difficult when even getting through the day at home or work is a challenge. This is where a physical therapist can be of assistance. They can create a personalized plan for strengthening and exercise, as well as help you manage daily life and reduce pain through various treatments. Physical therapy treatments can take different forms, and sometimes multiple treatments may be necessary. Successful treatment is about tailoring a solution to your unique situation, type of pain, and patterns.
Additionally, the relationship with your physical therapist is vital. Although it may be an on-and-off relationship that spans months or even years, it is important to establish trust and belief in them. Communication and understanding of your pain, along with working on activity plans and setting goals, are crucial components of your therapy sessions. Physical therapy includes both passive and active treatments. Passive treatments aim to relax your body and do not require active participation. Active treatments, on the other hand, involve therapeutic exercises that strengthen your body and help you manage chronic pain, ultimately increasing your confidence and independence.
Chronic Pain Treatment Watford – PASSIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY
What type of massage is used for chronic pain?
Deep tissue massage Watford – Chronic Pain Treatment Watford
The focus of this method is on addressing spasms and prolonged muscle tightness that may develop due to stress experienced in everyday life. It is also possible to experience spasms or muscle tightness as a result of strains or sprains. The therapist applies direct pressure and friction in an attempt to alleviate the tension in your soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Sports massage Watford – Chronic Pain Treatment Watford
Sports massage Watford is a treatment option for chronic pain. It focuses on improving sports performance and is now considered an essential component of a scientific approach to preparation, training, recovery, and injury management. Sports massage is suitable for both athletes and non-athletes, as it can be applied in various contexts. The techniques used in sports massage include petrissage, effleurage, vibration, compression, friction, and deep strokes. Additionally, there are more advanced techniques available such as muscle energy techniques, soft tissue release, myofascial release, and others.
A sports massage is used for wide-ranging conditions. It is believed that the following are some of the effects that massage has on the whole body. Muscular system, cardiovascular system, skeletal system, nervous system, urinary system, digestive system and lymphatic system. Sports massage helps release muscle tension, reduce pain, break down adhesions and improve flexibility. By receiving a sports massage at Lucas Massage Therapy in Watford we will help with poor posture, release muscle tightness, decrease pain, increase muscle flexibility and improve recovery.
Manual therapy – Chronic Pain Treatment
This is a hands-on treatment used to mobilise and manipulate joints that may be stiff and contribute to your pain.
Hot and cold therapy – Chronic Pain Treatment
The physical therapist will alternate between hot and cold treatments. Heat promotes increased blood flow to the affected area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients while also aiding in the removal of waste by-products from muscle spasms. Cold therapy, known as cryotherapy, slows down circulation, effectively reducing inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. At home, you can use cold packs or receive an ice massage. It’s important to consult your therapist for guidance on the appropriate treatment and duration when administering these therapies at home.
Ultrasound – Chronic Pain Treatment
Ultrasound assists in decreasing muscle spasms, cramps, swelling, stiffness, and pain by enhancing blood circulation. This is achieved through the transmission of sound waves into the deep layers of muscle tissue, generating a mild warmth that promotes circulation and aids in the healing process.
Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – Chronic Pain Treatment
TENS machines utilize varying levels of electrical current to stimulate your muscles safely. This stimulation aids in relieving muscle spasms and potentially enhances the production of endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain relievers. If you find this beneficial, you have the option to purchase compact machines for home use. Your therapist can provide recommendations on suitable options and provide guidance on safe usage.
Dry Needling – Chronic Pain Treatment
Therapists use small needles to insert into specific points in the muscles, aiming to alleviate muscle spasms, facilitate healing, and diminish pain.
Strapping or bracing – Chronic Pain Treatment
This approach can be utilized to provide assistance to a particular joint or muscle or to aid in rectifying any issues with posture and alignment that could potentially be causing your discomfort.
Chronic Pain Treatment Watford – ACTIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY
During the active phase of sports massage therapy, your therapist will instruct you in various exercises to enhance your flexibility, strength, core stability, and joint mobility. They will also help you identify suitable activities to keep you motivated. Additionally, your therapist will address any postural issues that may be contributing to your pain, provide guidance on optimizing your workstation setup, and offer advice on safe lifting and carrying techniques.
This forms an integral part of the self-care aspect of physical therapy, where you acquire valuable habits and principles to better maintain your physical well-being. Regular exercise and an active lifestyle are crucial for individuals with chronic pain, as avoiding activity can perpetuate a detrimental cycle of pain, inactivity, and overall decline in physical and mental health.
During the active phase of sports massage therapy, your sports massage therapist in Watford will guide you through various exercises to improve flexibility, strength, core stability, and joint mobility. They will also help you find suitable activities to stay motivated. Additionally, your therapist will address any postural issues that could be contributing to your pain, provide advice on optimizing your workstation setup, and offer guidance on safe lifting and carrying techniques.
This is an important part of self-care in physiotherapy, where you learn valuable habits and principles for maintaining your physical well-being. Regular exercise and an active lifestyle are essential for individuals with chronic pain, as avoiding activity can perpetuate a harmful cycle of pain, inactivity, and overall decline in physical and mental health.
Exercise offers numerous advantages that can effectively disrupt the cycle of inactivity. Firstly, it promotes joint mobility, which is of particular significance for individuals with arthritis-related chronic pain. Secondly, exercise helps fortify muscles, providing better support for the body and bones, which is especially beneficial for patients enduring persistent pain. Strong muscles not only prevent fatigue during activities but also reduce the likelihood of spasms and subsequent pain. Thirdly, maintaining an active lifestyle has positive implications for mental well-being.
Chronic pain often leads to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges as it disrupts regular daily routines. Engaging in physical activity enhances self-esteem, instils a sense of actively combatting pain, and facilitates social interactions when exercising with friends or joining a gym. Fourthly, exercise aids in weight management, and weight loss, and prevents obesity. Excess weight exacerbates pain, particularly in the back and joints. By making healthy dietary choices and staying physically fit, one can prevent additional strain on the body.
Lastly, exercise improves cardiovascular fitness, resulting in reduced heart rate and breathlessness during physical exertion. Enhanced fitness levels decrease fatigue, making it easier to carry out daily tasks and responsibilities. Collaborating with a physical therapist for exercise planning, activity recommendations, and pacing principles can be valuable. Realizing that freedom from pain is attainable through a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and proper nutrition instils confidence and enhances pain management, both physically and psychologically.
Furthermore, regular physical activity contributes to improved mental well-being and overall quality of life. Engaging in exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. This positive impact on mental health can lead to increased productivity and a more positive outlook on life. Additionally, exercise promotes better sleep patterns, allowing for a more restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep.
Adequate rest is crucial for maintaining optimal physical and cognitive functioning. In summary, incorporating exercise into daily routines offers a multitude of benefits, including pain management, weight control, cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and improved sleep quality.
Chronic Pain Exercises
