Chronic Pain
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Easier Chronic Pain Control
Are you struggling with persistent pain that's restricting your movements? Our physical therapy can offer relief, even if previous treatments haven't worked.
Pain isn't straightforward and can last long after an injury or illness, taking a toll on both body and mind. If it stretches beyond three months, it's labeled as 'chronic pain.' At Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, we know how tough this can be. Rest assured, we've helped many patients overcome chronic pain.
Understanding the Origins of My Chronic Pain:
Chronic pain usually comes from a problem with how your nerves work. Ongoing injuries, sickness, stress, and depression are all linked together, making your nerves constantly overreact. This can show up as pain in your back, joints, nerves, or cause headaches. The main reasons for this include:
Accidents
Accidents, be they in cars, at work, or home, can cause lasting pain. OSHA found in 2016 that for every 100 workers, about 3 get injured on the job. Plus, a study in the journal Pain shows that after a car crash, 21% suffer ongoing pain. This pain won’t just disappear, but a physical therapist in Freehold, NJ, can help reduce it.
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FAQs
Overuse Injuries:
Overuse injuries are common from repetitive movements in daily activities. Incorrect posture, walking, working, or exercising can harm joints and muscles, leading to persistent pain. For instance, frequent heavy lifting at work without the right technique can cause ongoing back pain. Physical therapy teaches correct body movements to prevent such injuries.
Disease:
Chronic pain stems from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, shingles, and diabetic neuropathy. Physical therapy can help ease this pain.
Surgery:
Surgery can be essential but recovery is tough, often leading to added pain from how we move differently to avoid the discomfort. Physical therapy aids in faster, less painful recovery and helps prevent long-term pain by correcting these movements.
Chronic vs. Acute Pain: Know the Key Differences?
Acute pain is short-term pain that fades by itself within hours to weeks. For instance, the discomfort from a slight ankle twist typically eases away in a few days.
Chronic pain is a persistent pain that lasts 3-6 months or more. People have different reasons for feeling pain, and it's the top cause for visiting doctors. It can reduce your quality of life by affecting your movement, leading to reliance on medications, or causing mental health issues. Stride Physical Therapy can help you avoid these problems.
Can I find relief for my chronic pain?
Physical therapy primarily aims to alleviate pain by treating its source, rather than just covering up symptoms with drugs.
In Freehold, NJ, our skilled physical therapists can expertly assess and treat your movement issues. They'll check your body for weaknesses, limited mobility, and any walking or standing irregularities, pinpointing the root causes of your pain.
After assessing your condition, our physical therapist will devise a personalized treatment plan. You'll experience comforting hands-on therapy to enhance muscle and joint mobility, technologies to reduce pain, and specific exercises to boost your strength. The plan includes in-office sessions and a home routine to keep you fit and moving. Ready to say goodbye to chronic pain?
Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, and schedule your visit now.
Health Blog
Is a Herniated Disc Causing Your Back Pain?
Struggling with Persistent Back Pain? It Could Be a Herniated Disc
If you're dealing with unusual back or neck pain, or even numbness in your limbs, it could be due to a herniated disc. These issues can cause a range of confusing symptoms, but you don’t have to face them alone!
Our physical therapists at Stride Physical Therapy are here to help you understand herniated discs, their symptoms, and how we can help relieve your pain through targeted treatment.
Understanding Herniated Discs
A herniated disc, also known as a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc, occurs when a spinal disc’s outer layer weakens and allows the inner fluid to push outward. Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock to keep the spine stable. But over time, wear and tear or sudden injuries can cause these discs to bulge or tear, leading to a herniation. Common causes include aging, accidents, or even heavy lifting.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Not all herniated discs cause pain, but if they press on nearby nerves, you might experience:
Pain that increases with movement, like standing up or sitting down
Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
Discomfort in the lower back, especially after bending or twisting
Neck pain (if the affected disc is in the cervical area)
Symptoms following an accident or physical stress, like lifting a heavy object
If you find that heat, cold, or massage brings relief, it could be a strain rather than a disc issue. For accurate diagnosis, imaging such as an X-ray is often the best approach, as it can reveal whether a disc is pressing on a nerve.
Treatment Options
Physical therapy offers effective relief and can help you regain strength and mobility without invasive measures. Our therapists will begin with a full assessment, pinpointing the exact cause of your pain to create a personalized recovery plan. Your treatment may include:
Manual therapy to relieve muscle tension
Ice and heat therapies for pain management
Traction to gently relieve pressure on spinal discs
Advanced techniques like Class IV laser therapy or TENS for targeted relief
Education on posture and safe lifting to prevent future injuries
Our goal is to help you heal naturally, minimizing the need for medications or surgery. Physical therapy is a holistic approach designed to reduce pain, improve function, and support your body’s healing process.
Ready to Feel Better?
A herniated disc can be painful, but recovery is within reach. Many people find lasting relief through physical therapy, even avoiding surgery. We’re here to strengthen your back or neck, support your recovery, and help you avoid future injury.
Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy today to learn how we can help relieve your back pain and get you back to doing the things you love.
