What to Expect from Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain
Physical Therapy for Chronic Persistent Pain
Is it just a pain in the neck? Or something more?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 61 million people experience chronic pain. Unlike acute pain, which is a response to injury or illness that goes away as you heal, chronic pain sticks around for weeks, months, or even years. For many, it can become a daily struggle that affects how their body feels and how they sleep, move, work, and enjoy daily activities.
Chronic persistent pain can show up anywhere in the body, but it’s especially common in the neck and back, which can make even basic tasks more difficult. While it can be frustrating to deal with, the good news is that there are ways to manage it—and physical therapy is often a key part of that plan.
Persistent Pain Therapy: Reclaim Your Life from Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can affect every aspect of your life, but it doesn't have to define you. Our specialized team works with patients experiencing ongoing pain conditions, helping them regain control and return to meaningful activities. We offer targeted treatments for conditions like fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and chronic back pain, combining proven techniques with personalized care plans for effective pain management.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Fibromyalgia
Chronic low back and neck pain
Neuropathic Pain Conditions
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Chronic Muscle Pain
Types of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can feel different for everyone. It might show up as a steady ache that never fully goes away, or it can come and go—getting worse with certain movements, daily activities, or even weather changes. Where the pain is, what’s causing it, and how long it’s been around all play a role in helping you find the right treatment. Some of the most common types of chronic pain include: · Chronic back pain is one of the most common types, and it can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing sensations—often made worse by certain movements or positions. · Persistent neck pain is usually linked to posture issues, muscle tension, or past injuries, and it can lead to headaches, stiffness, or limited motion. · Pain that stems from nerve damage is called neuropathic pain, and it might feel like burning, tingling, or electric shocks. · Musculoskeletal pain affects the muscles, joints, bones, or connective tissues and is often related to overuse or repetitive strain. · In some cases, people experience pain throughout the body—this widespread chronic pain is common in conditions like fibromyalgia.
What to Expect from Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain
- Information regarding patient’s condition
- Analysis of lifestyle impacts on pain, injury, or condition
- Plan for maintaining pain-free, injury-free lifestyle post-treatment
Prescribed exercises for an individualized care plan
Don’t see what you’re looking for?
One of the most common myths about pain is that it's always related to injury. The good news is that pain can occur without injury and the level of pain you're experiencing has nothing to do with the level of harm in your body. If you have sustained an injury in the past, your pain can continue far past the injury date. A physical therapist can help you understand why you're experiencing chronic or persistent pain.
FIND A HIGHBAR PRACTICE
