For those who suffer from chronic pain, there are two basic alternatives, take pain management medication or utilize pain management techniques. Pain management medication is usually the first option for people suffering from either chronic or acute pain. Sometimes physical therapy turns out to be the best option when medication is not an option, or if patients are hoping to treat their pain without medication.
Physical therapists are certified healthcare professionals who are trained to diagnose conditions and help patients to treat pain, improve physical function, and restore physical mobility. Physical therapy utilizes a variety of techniques that are hands on, yet noninvasive, and address the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, integumentary, and cardiovascular systems.
Orthopedic physical therapists are the most common physical therapy specialty, but other types of physical therapists specialize in neck pain management techniques, foot physical therapy, and ankle physical therapy, among others. Often times, physical therapy patients use pain management medication while undergoing physical therapy for pain and to regain mobility after a serious injury.
Today, the top physical therapy clinics are skilled in cutting edge methods and technique to treat pain, restore mobility, and improve the quality of life for their patients. Furthermore, they have access to state of the art technology that will help to maximize the effectiveness of therapy.
Since each patient and injury is different, it is impossible to say whether physical therapy or pain management medication is superior to the other. Sometimes medication is not enough and vice versa. However, the foremost benefits of physical therapy to treat pain is the opportunity it provides to patients who want to live pain free without the help of medication.