Physical therapy can help relieve pain by addressing the root causes of pain, rather than just masking symptoms. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help patients regain function, mobility, and overall well-being. These techniques include:
- Exercise: Physical therapists can prescribe exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and joint stability. These exercises can include walking, cycling, weight training, lunges, squats, and pushups.
- Manual therapy: Physical therapists use hands-on techniques to manipulate muscles and joints.
- Heat and ice: Heat therapy can increase blood flow and relax muscles, while cold therapy can reduce swelling and numb the area.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to heat tissues and improve blood flow and circulation.
- Electrical stimulation: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electricity to decrease pain signals sent from the body to the brain.
- Dry needling: Tiny needles are inserted into muscles to reduce pain and tension.
- Deep tissue massage: Improves blood flow to muscles to relieve tension and pain.
- Acupuncture: Widely used by physiotherapists for pain management.
Physical therapy can also help with pain management by educating patients on pain management and prevention, and promoting a healthier lifestyle.