Musculoskeletal Pain: How Physical Therapy Can Help
Musculoskeletal pain is the pain people experience in their muscles, ligaments, bones, joints, nerves, and tendons. It varies from acute to chronic and can affect one area or the entire body. Musculoskeletal pain is a common medical condition that affects about one-third of the adult population in the United States, and these numbers are constantly growing.
Musculoskeletal pain can affect anyone. In severe cases, it limits the motion or makes it difficult to perform routine activities. The symptoms and causes of musculoskeletal pain can vary. The risk of developing pain increases with age or lifestyle, activity level, family history, and occupation.
The causes of musculoskeletal pain
Musculoskeletal pain can occur for various reasons. It can impact any area of the musculoskeletal system, including wrists, shoulders, back, legs, knees, feet, neck, and hips. Some common causes of musculoskeletal pain include:
Poor posture
Sprain
Diseases like osteoporosis, scoliosis, muscle loss, or muscular dystrophy
Sprains, fractures, joint dislocation, direct blow to the muscles, and repetitive overuse because of sports injuries, accidents, or falls.
Tumors
Arthritis
Prolonged immobilization
Musculoskeletal pain symptoms
The signs of musculoskeletal pain depend on the cause and can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
Redness
Swelling
Soreness
Fatigue
Sleep disturbance
Burning sensation in the muscles
Stiffness and aching
Weakness
Twitching muscle
Reduced motion
Popping or grinding sounds in affected joints
Musculoskeletal pain and physical therapy
Physical therapy is a highly effective and proven pain management option for different musculoskeletal conditions. It offers a long-term solution and works to treat the underlying cause of the pain from the root instead of just masking the symptoms. A certified physical therapist uses different methods to relieve pain and stiffness to restore mobility and body functions. Physical therapy helps a person recover quickly from chronic pain resulting from an injury or traumatic accident affecting the musculoskeletal system.
A physical therapist first understands the needs and conditions of the patient by performing a thorough examination. He works closely with the physician and the patient to design a program tailored to treat the specific problem and accelerate the recovery process.
A comprehensive program usually includes low-impact aerobics training, lifestyle modifications, posture changes, strengthening exercises, and pain-relieving exercises. Also, this program incorporates heat and ice packs, gentle physical manipulation, massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, joint mobilization, ultrasound, and electric stimulation. These exercises are done at the clinic and at home.
The physical therapist performs regular reexaminations throughout the process to monitor the overall progress. A successful physical therapy program reduces the risk of recurring pain. A person may visit a physical therapist two to three times a week, and the treatment can last from two weeks up to several months, depending on the patient’s condition.
Benefits of physical therapy for musculoskeletal pain
Natural healing
Alleviate musculoskeletal pain and stiffness
Restores body strength, motion, and function
Encourage physical activity to promote a healthy heart, bones, and mind
Faster recovery
Other treatment options for musculoskeletal pain include medicines, injections, chiropractic care, physical or occupational therapy, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, relaxation techniques, and surgery.
Explore physical therapy for musculoskeletal pain
Do proper research and contact a reputed, skilled, and reliable physical therapist if you have musculoskeletal pain. Working with a professional and experienced physical therapist helps patients recover and resume normal activities as soon as possible.
Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.
