Therapy, exercise help patients cope with pain

The last thing most of us want to do when we are in pain is any kind of exercise. It turns out, though, that for many painful ailments, physical therapy can effectively reduce, manage and in some cases, even eliminate pain.

Karen Grove, D.P.T., from Meritus Total Rehab Care, said that “most patients don’t come in for physical therapy only for pain, but also because of a loss of function.”

“They may want to play golf, but can’t lift their arm without pain, or perhaps they are struggling to sleep because a particular condition is causing them to wake up,” she said.

Physical therapy optionsAccording to Grove, the goal of physical therapy is for “everyone to be pain free,” which is not always possible, especially for those with chronic pain.

“We teach patients how to manage episodes of increased pain, because the end goal is for the patient to be independent in their own self-management,” she said.

The primary physical-therapy interventions that help manage and relieve pain are strengthening and stretching exercises, modalities and manual techniques, alongside patient education. A physical therapist might consider any combination of techniques to best help the patient’s uniqueness and any recognized deficits.

Techniques may include:

• Exercise to improve joint range of motion, muscle flexibility and strength.

• Aquatic physical therapy, which is beneficial for chronic and arthritis pain. The warm water is helpful for joint pain and takes pressure off the body so that exercises are less painful.

• Electrical stimulation used in conjunction with specific, guided exercises to improve muscle function and decrease pain.

• Heat and ice. Patients are taught how to use these appropriately and most effectively.

• Taping, which is useful to decrease muscle spasms and joint swelling that can cause inflammation and pain.

Taking it homeA large portion of physical therapy is focused on educating patients, starting from the first appointment. A physical therapist might help teach a patient how to get out of bed correctly or how best to sit in order to reduce neck and shoulder pain.

“We start with a comprehensive analysis and testing to identify the cause of pain for each patient,” Grove said.

While exercising under the guidance of a physical therapist during appointments is valuable, putting effort, dedication and consistency into a home exercise program offers even better results. Home exercise programs are tailored by the physical therapist for the patient’s unique situation and body composition. These programs are designed to help patients regain independence using exercises done in the comfort of their own homes.

“If you want to improve the benefits of physical therapy, follow through with your home exercise program, get early intervention and regularly attend your physical therapy appointments,” Grove said.

Meritus Total Rehab Care offers outpatient rehabilitation in two locations: Robinwood Professional Center, suite 201 (Purple entrance) and the new Meritus Medical Plaza at 13620 Crayton Blvd. Call 301-714-4025 or visit meritushealth.com for more information.