According to the Government of Canada, an estimated 1.5 million Canadians experience chronic pain. Of those 1.5 million individuals, or 1 in 10 Canadians aged 12 to 44, 9 percent are male and 12 percent are female.
Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than 90 days. This type of pain can be slight, debilitating, or anything in between. Many who suffer with chronic pain are restricted in their activities and have a diminished quality of life. These individuals should know that there is a proven, drug-free treatment option for chronic pain sufferers: Physiotherapy.
Why Physiotherapy Effectively Treats Chronic Pain
Physiotherapy is a treatment administered by a healthcare professional called a physiotherapist. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy stated,
“Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness, or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.”
Physiotherapy is a proven treatment for chronic pain. Depending upon the patient/health issue, physiotherapy can reduce or even eliminate pain. Although a physiotherapy program takes weeks or months to complete, the results are often permanent so long as the patient takes the maintenance steps outlined by his or her physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy effectively treats chronic pain because it often resolves the root issue(s) causing the pain, unlike painkillers. To treat these issues, a physiotherapist will often employ the following techniques:
- Relaxation
- Manual therapy
- Education
- Posture training
- Therapeutic exercise
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Heat/ice therapy
Physiotherapists are also excellent at treating the whole person, not just the complaint. A contributor to the Canadian Physiotherapy Association said,
“If you have multiple health issues that cause pain and severely impact your life, a physiotherapist can work with you and other healthcare professionals to optimize your mobility and alleviate your pain. A physiotherapist’s goal is to help you recover or better manage your condition so you can get back to doing what you love.”
Your Plan for Reducing Chronic Pain This Year
Is one of your goals this year to reduce your pain level? If so, take these steps:
- Contact a nearby physiotherapy office to set up an evaluation with a physiotherapist.
- Come to your appointment wearing comfortable clothing and ready to discuss your medical history.
- Ask the physiotherapist if he or she thinks physiotherapy will be beneficial to you.
- If the physiotherapist does recommend physiotherapy, comply with his or her instructions. If not, ask the physiotherapist for a referral to a more appropriate healthcare provider.
Those who live near Winnipeg can get additional information about physiotherapy and pain management by contacting the friendly team at Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics. The physiotherapists at Elite are skilled at treating many types of pain, so don’t hesitate to reach out today.