People often think that physiotherapists are healthcare providers who treat physical movements and help improve the irregularities of body movements. On the other hand, many health issues arise among people who seek diagnosis and treatment from specialists for various diseases. After medical treatment and several surgeries, some disorders remain for recovery. Muscle strains, joint pain, and other conditions require physiotherapist consultation. In addition to these issues, physiotherapists work with a broad range of patients, including those in intensive care units and postoperative patients after extensive surgeries of all types. Typically, physiotherapy patients experience significant pain, such as from early traumas due to mishaps, after a car crash, or from other emotional disorders.
The Role of Physiotherapists in Chronic Pain Management
The human body operates as a complex mechanism. If any part of the body experiences discomfort, it may indicate a disorder within the system. Listening to the body is very important; otherwise, your physical, mental, and emotional health can be negatively affected. Almost 1.5 billion people, or 20% of the global population, experience chronic pain. It can affect:
- Work
- Sleep
- Joy of life
- Overall health
- Mental health
It requires thorough treatment obtainable through expert physiotherapist consulting services in the field. They manage the chronic pain of patients on an individual basis. During an appointment, they meet with their patients and ask about the pain. After investigating the problem, they may advise on posture and movement. In severe conditions, they suggest exercise, massage, or gentle mobilization. A physiotherapist can also identify practical ways to help, such as ensuring the correct equipment or proper shoes. Physiotherapists also check patients at a pain management clinic, working as part of a specialist team.
Pain and healthcare issues are part of life, and to solve them, you need medical consultation assistance instead of starting self-medication or seeking non-professional advice.
Difference between acute and chronic pain: the signs and symptoms of chronic pain
Acute pain is associated with a short duration. It arises from a sudden injury; for example, if you accidentally touch fire, you feel a burning sensation, or if you wear tight clothes for a long time, you may develop some allergies. In every situation, your body signals that something is wrong. It can last for a few weeks, after which you will recover completely. While chronic pain is different, it is a constant state of discomfort arising from unknown reasons and lasting more than three months. Your body continuously signals your discomfort without any clear reasons. It feels like the whole body is aching or hurting. This varies from person to person in different conditions. Although the reasons are unknown, there can be some signs and symptoms of chronic pain:
Feelings of insecurity or fear:
When the uncomfortable condition persists, it disturbs you both internally and externally. The person feels helpless and reliant on their family. A constant fear of pain envelops you.
The feeling of stiffness:
Stiffness is a state in which muscles become tight and are unable to move flexibly. In cases of chronic pain, a person tries to be more active, but their body resists moving normally and easily.
Deconditioning:
A motionless body for a longer time causes the muscles to weaken and shrink. The body can not tolerate movement and loses its balance; as a result, the chances of falling increase.
Effect on tissues:
The body loses its blood circulation due to a lack of activity, and the tissues can not receive enough oxygen. This not only affects the tissues but also drains the body’s overall energy for this reason.
Weight gain:
Due to reduced activity, the body gains unhealthy weight, which further leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Overall, obesity is a disease in itself.
For all these symptoms and reasons, a person seeks help with more medications that sometimes produce more complications for them. That’s why chronic pain patients seek medical consultation assistance from physiotherapists consultation.
How do physiotherapy consulting services help in chronic pain relief?
Physiotherapists are experts with experience in treating individuals with various types of chronic pain. They assist in managing this pain through different methods:
Education:
The physiotherapists educate people about their conditions and pain. They teach you how to recognise your chronic pain and manage daily activities.
Exercises for flexibility and Pain Relief:
After a complete inspection of your medical condition and chronic pain symptoms, your therapist creates an exercise program for you. He starts with gentle exercises that will be slowly increased according to the patients’ abilities. These exercises not only help in regular activities by increasing the body’s flexibility but also decrease pain, stress, and anxiety due to unseen and unknown chronic pain.
Posture Improvement:
Exercise is necessary for a healthy, active life, but the right posture for sitting and working is also very important. Your physiotherapist can guide you on how to improve your posture while working and even resting. The right posture not only improves your daily routine but also helps in reducing pain and enhances body functioning.
Manual Therapy:
Manual therapy is helpful for chronic pain relief and body movements. In manual therapy, your physician gives you massages, mobility exercises, and gentle movements with his hands to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. He uses techniques to improve function, mobilise tissues, and build muscle strength. After the therapy, your body feels energised, relaxed, and normal again. Your healthcare provider suggests therapy sessions based on your body’s needs.
Prevent Chronic Pain by Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
Modern lifestyles and unhealthy habits lead to chronic pain. Many people suffer from chronic pain every year. Due to a lack of understanding about chronic pain, many individuals experience stress, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness and contemplate suicide. Awareness of chronic pain is mandatory. People can prevent themselves from this severe health condition by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
They should be active in their daily routines and engage in beneficial hobbies such as swimming, walking, gardening, and cycling. They should keep themselves active for at least 30 to 40 minutes every day. Instead of eating junk food, they should develop a routine of healthy eating that includes vegetables, fibre, fruits, and meat.
They should get enough sleep and manage their weight. They should regularly check their health and consult doctors in case of any physical disorder. By adopting all these habits, they can avoid chronic pain, and if they ever experience chronic pain, they should immediately consult an expert physiotherapist.
