Tag Archive for: Pain

Managing Pain

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care.  In fact, statistics show that 60-75% of adults age 60+ report at least one type of chronic pain. Living with chronic pain can be overwhelming and greatly impact your quality of life. Pain can be debilitating making it very difficult to get around and complete daily activities.  Also, many adults suffering from pain may experience depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, weight loss and cognitive impairment.      

Pain is not a normal part of aging.  If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, talk with your doctor to discuss ways to manage your pain without prescription opioids.  Pain relief can include many strategies including physical and occupational therapy, exercise, acupuncture, massage, spinal manipulation, interventional therapies (injections), cognitive behavioral therapy, and meditation among many others.  These methods can often be more effective than drugs and have fewer risks and side effects.

 

How Can Therapy Help?

Physical therapists can assess your pain and establish a therapy treatment plan fit for you. Treatment goals may include: pain relief, extended range of motion, increased strength and improved functional mobility. Non-invasive technology such as electrical stimulation (e-stim), ultrasound therapy, and hot and cold therapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Occupational therapists work to evaluate how pain may be impacting your desired activities and quality of life. They can teach skills and strategies to help manage your pain.

 

Pain Quiz

    1. Does pain affect your ability to handle daily responsibilities or activities?
    2. Does your pain make it difficult for you to bathe or get dressed?
    3. Does your pain make it difficult to climb or descend stairs?
    4. Does your pain make it difficult to get out of bed or a chair?
    5. Are you taking opioid medications daily?

If you answered yes, talk with your doctor about physical and occupational therapy treatment options.

IASP® – Facts on Pain in Older Persons,  www.iasp-pain.org

CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/patients/index.html

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Live Pain Free in 2019!

More people in America suffer from pain than diabetes, cancer and heart disease combined. When pain lasts for a long time (3 to 6 months or more), it is called chronic pain. The CDC recently released a report estimating that 50 million Americans, more than 20 percent of the adult population, have chronic pain.

Managing & Treating Your Pain

Chronic pain can have real effects on your day-to-day life and your overall health. Treating chronic pain can be difficult because it varies from person to person as well as many different causes and possible treatments. Developing the right treatment plan for your diagnosis is often the work of a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals. When consulting with your doctor, he may refer you to visit a physical and occupational therapist.

Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical therapy practitioners can assess your chronic pain, and based on your goals, will establish a therapy treatment plan fit for you. Treatment may include both passive and active treatments. Passive treatments help you to relax, while active treatments are therapeutic exercises that strengthen your body and help you deal with your pain.

Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapy practitioners understand that pain it subjective and complex. OT’s work individually with you to evaluate the pain’s impact on your desired activities and quality of life. They teach you skills and strategies to manage and cope with your pain.

Pain Reducing Technology
Therapists may use non-invasive technology such as Electrical Stimulation (e-stim) which blocks the pain signal to the affected area while reducing inflammation. Also, Ultrasound and a combination of heat and cooling therapies may be used to reduce pain.

If you or a loved one suffer with chronic pain, it is important to pay attention to your body. Be proactive to keep your pain under control. Consult with your doctor and ask if physical and occupational therapy can help you!

References: American Occupational Therapy Association

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Peripheral Neuropathy – Managing Your Pain

Did You Know?

An estimated 30 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is not a single disease. It’s a general term for a series of disorders that result from damage to the body’s peripheral nervous system. PN occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body. PN often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet.

Can have no symptoms, but people may experience…

  • Burning, tingling or sharp pain in the back, face, foot, hands, or thigh
  • Muscle weakness and cramping
  • Sensation of pins and needles
  • Poor balance, slow reflexes

 

Tips for Self-Managing Your Pain:

  • Maintain a well-balanced diet
  • Avoid exposure to toxins
  • Exercise and stretch often
  • Take vitamin supplements
  • Buy shoes with shock absorbers and cushioned socks
  • Limit or avoid alcohol
  • Drink lots of water to improve circulation
  • Talk with your doctor about prescription drug options

 

How Can Therapy Help?

There are many options available for treating peripheral neuropathy. The most effective ones address the underlying cause. Most often, the focus of treatment is on symptom control. Some people are helped by physical, occupational and speech therapy.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Improve Motor Skills  |  Regain Sense of Independence  |  Enhance Recovery & Outcome  |  Prevent Secondary  |  Complications  |  Restore Confidence & Happiness

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Prevent Long-term Pain  |  Improve & Gain  |  Full Range of Motion  |  Increase Ability to Move & Perform Activities  |  Relieve Muscle Tension  |  Electrical Stimulation for Pain Management

SPEECH THERAPY
Prevent Loss of Facial  Muscle Control  |  Improve Swallowing & Speech Capabilities  |  Enhance Ability to Express Thoughts & Feelings  |  Relieve Emotional Tension Caused by Physical Issues or Mental Stress

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