SERVICES
Pain Management
Pain is an unpleasant sensation and emotional experience that is normally caused by tissue damage. It enables the body to react to as well as prevent further tissue damage. When pain is felt, a signal is sent through the nerve fibres to the brain, where it will be interpreted. People experience pain differently, and there are various ways to feel and describe the pain. The variation may make it difficult or challenging to define and treat pain. Pain may be short or long-term and may be in one place or spread to other parts of the body.
Types of Pain
Acute pain
This type of pain is normally intense and short-lived. It occurs due to an injury or localised tissue damage; therefore, treating the underlying injury normally resolves acute pain. Acute pain triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, which normally results in faster heartbeats and breathing rates.
There are different types of acute pain, such as:
- Somatic pain – This is superficial pain on the skin or the soft tissues below the skin.
- Visceral pain - This pain occurs in the internal organs and the linings of cavities in the body.
- Referred pain – This is pain that is experienced at a location other than the source of tissue damage. E.g., Some people experience shoulder pain during a heart attack.
Chronic pain
This type of pain lasts longer than acute pain, and there is often no cure for it. Chronic pain may be mild or severe. It may also be continuous, like arthritis, or intermittent, like a migraine episode. Intermittent pain occurs on repeated occasions, but it may stop between flares.
Physiotherapy pain management
The most effective and safe choice for pain management is physiotherapy. Physiotherapy, also called physical therapy, normally uses manual therapy to help treat conditions or injuries that limit movement and functionality. It is a rehabilitative treatment method that helps significantly relieve pain.
The main goal of physiotherapy is to:
- Reduce pain
- Strengthen muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Help restore balance and improve range of motion
- Improve overall flexibility and functioning
- Increase endurance
- Enhance stability in the joints
- Improve flexibility of both muscles and joints
- Enhance the quality of life
There are different types of physiotherapy techniques that may be recommended depending on your condition. This may include:
- ACTIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY
This type of therapy involves the patient participating in the exercises and techniques. Active physical therapy may have a longer-lasting impact. - PASSIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY
This type of therapy involves the patient remaining still while treatment or techniques are applied to help with the pain. The effect of this therapy may be short-term and is normally recommended to provide immediate pain relief.
HEALING HANDS
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is physiotherapy an effective pain management tool?
Physiotherapy for chronic pain management includes the following:
- Massage therapy
- Manual/kneading therapy
- Prescribed exercises and mobility training
- Improvement concerning posture
- Acupuncture
In what way can a physiotherapist treat inflammation?
Your physiotherapist can prescribe exercises to improve your motion. In addition, RICE protocol may be recommended (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation).
Can physiotherapy help address inflammatory arthritis?
Physiotherapy forms an essential component of treatment for arthritis.Physiotherapy ensures you remain active throughout your lifetime. Typical physiotherapy treatments include hot and cold therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture and specialised exercises.