As a practicing physical therapist (PT) I continue to be amazed at how many people in our community deal with pain for long periods of time. It is unnecessary and becoming more costly every year. Did you know that the direct cost for the treatment of shoulder dysfunction in the United States exceeds $7 billion annually? [1] That’s just one small body area we’re talking about here.
A PT will examine you on your first appointment in order to establish an appropriate treatment plan for your specific pain. We will teach you about your specific dysfunction in order for you to understand what exactly is going on and how you can take care of your ailment for the long haul. Most chronic pain stems from improper movement that we have adapted to over a period of time. Fortunately the body is extremely adaptable and we can impose demands such as stretching and strengthening in order to correct our problematic areas.
PT also includes different modalities such as ICE (helps to decrease pain and swelling, BIOFEEDBACK (neuro-stimulatory feedback that helps to teach muscles how to contract), ULTRASOUND (electrical soundwaves that help to break up scar tissue and enhance healing), MASSAGE (helps to soften adhesions in muscle tissue, aids in break up of scar tissue and helps to increase blood flow to muscle spasms) and Personalized EXERCISE PROGRAM ( aids in proper biomechanics of joint and muscle function). Your PT will work one on one with throughout the course of your therapy to ensure that you are making the gains that you want and are working towards reaching your specific goals.
PT is a process! Let us help you learn more about your body, your needs and your journey to pain free living. Next week….How long will my recovery take?
[1] Meslin RJ,Sperling JW, Stitik TP. Persistent shoulder pain; epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2005: 34: 5-9.