Aches and pains are a common part of many of our lives. Many of us think that having pain is a normal part of “getting older.” For some of us, we think “getting older” can start in our 20s. For some of us it starts later in life. Regardless, pain is not normal and you do not need to live with it. If you are hurting, whether it is a small, seemingly nagging problem or something larger that is getting in the way of living your life, it can be better. Why not start 2017 off on the right foot and address it? Getting your body in order will help get your mind in order, and put you in a good place to enjoy the year ahead.
A physical therapist is a highly qualified expert in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal pain and injury. A common misconception is that PT stands for “pain and torture.” Sure, there are some things that are uncomfortable and difficult to work through. However, “no pain, no gain” is rarely the answer. Your physical therapist will do a thorough examination and evaluation to diagnose your pain and then develop a treatment plan.
The plan will likely include hands-on work performed by your physical therapist such as joint mobilizations, massage work on muscles and connective tissues, manual strengthening and stretching. Often, the way joints and muscles are functioning needs to be improved. These structures need to be stronger or more coordinated to do their job more effectively. One of the ways we accomplish that is through specific exercises, stretches, and activities. We will work on those exercises in the clinic, but oftentimes patients also need to practice at home. Muscles learn new patterns and get stronger by practicing regularly. To make lasting progress, we use exercise to build on the improvements made with hands-on techniques.
Every patient and treatment plan is different, and most patients will need to work on their exercises daily to get the most out of physical therapy, however the time required is typically minimal. It can take dedication and some hard work to fix pain and injury, but it doesn’t have to be painful or difficult.
At Jade Integrated Health, our physical therapists also work closely with our acupuncturists and yoga instructors to help manage pain and achieve goals. If you have pain that is getting in your way of living your life to its fullest, please call us. You do not have to live with pain and we can help.