Don't let chronic pain control your life

Chronic pain may leave you wanting to curl up in bed with a heating pad and a bottle of medication to help ease your aches. Although the "physical" in physical therapy may sound like sheer torture, it may actually be one of the best pain management options for your chronic pain.

Physical therapy can be highly effective for all types of chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic types of pain. It can be used to alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis and pain caused by injuries sustained to tissue or nerves.

Physical therapy combines various pain management methods to treat patients. These may include massage, manual therapy, TENS and movement techniques. A physical therapist works with each patient to understand his or her particular pain - what causes it and what can be done to manage it.

Physical therapy tackles the physical side of the inflammation, stiffness and soreness with physical techniques, manipulation and massage, but it also works to help the body heal itself by encouraging the production of the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals.

The less you move, the more pain you'll experience. Conversely, the more safe, therapeutic activity and exercise you get - and the more you learn how to exercise to accommodate your pain, the less pain you'll feel and the more you'll be able to function on a daily basis.

While physical therapy can be extremely effective against chronic pain, it is important that you consult with your family physician or specialist as well.

At Pinnacle Physical Therapy we specialize in the treatment of pain and its various sources. Don't let pain control your life any longer. Call one of our two convenient locations today to schedule a consultation. Post Falls - (208) 777-4242 or Coeur d'Alene - (208) 665-2000.