Chronic pain refers to persistent pain, occurring as a result of an injury, movement dysfunction or diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and peripheral neuropathy. An appropriate treatment plan for chronic pain should be designed based on factors that influence such pain. Physiotherapy can be used as a treatment option to manage chronic pain. If you want to opt for physiotherapy to manage your chronic pain, Surrey Sports Physio can assist you with a wide range of treatment options. Our physiotherapists use treatment methods such as soft tissue mobilization, specific exercises, electrical modalities and mechanical traction. For the past 33 years, we have been providing laser, hand and TMJ therapy in Surrey, BC.
Here are some did-you-know-facts about chronic pain:
1. Chronic Pain is Real
Chronic pain is often hard to diagnose as it is often psychologically driven since pain is regulated by your brain. When you have an injury, it activates pain sensors in that area of your body. These sensors send an electrical signal to your brain that you have an injury. The signal stops when the injury completely heals. With chronic pain, the signal is sent continuously even the injury heals.
2. Chronic Pain Affects Your Mental Health
Chronic pain interferes with your routine life, preventing you from doing things that you want to do. It also affects your sleep, concentration, mood and appetite.
• Sleep problems – Chronic pain might prevent you to be able to sleep peacefully as it can cause you to wake up multiple times in the night and/or wake up earlier than usual. And the lack of sleep can, in turn, increase the pain.
• Concentration - Chronic pain impairs your concentration and disrupts your attention. Pain also interferes with your memory preventing you from retaining information for processing and long-term storage.
• Mood - People with chronic pain are more susceptible to mood changes. Such mood disorders can cause depression, anxiety or fear.
• Appetite - Chronic pain can lead to decreased appetite.
3. Chronic Pain and Depression
People with chronic pain are more likely to develop depression or anxiety. On the other hand, people with depression are more likely to develop chronic pain. Effective treatments such as regular exercise, cognitive therapy and physiotherapy can treat chronic pain and reduce the emotional stress that it causes.
4. Chronic Pain and Isolation
With chronic pain, the last thing you want to do is attend any party or gathering. People suffering from chronic pain cannot engage in activities they previously enjoyed. The pain results in you becoming isolated, misunderstood and miserable.
5. Women and Chronic Pain
According to a research, women have higher prevalence rates for chronic pain than men. Additionally, women experience recurrent, severe pain than men and respond to therapies differently.
6. Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain can be managed through physiotherapy. Physiotherapists provide you with self-management strategies such as relaxation and breathing techniques. You can also learn different postures and exercises to manage your pain more efficiently.
Contact Surrey Sports Physio for professional physiotherapy in Surrey. We also offer laser, hand, and wound therapy.
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