We all experience some pain after a long run or a heavy workout, but persistent aches are a sign that you should see a physical therapist.
Visiting a la clinica elgin will allow you to find out the source of your pain treatment plans and prevent it from returning.
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1. Persistent Pain
Pain isn’t always a bad thing, especially when it comes to treating an injury or illness. But if it’s lingering or stopping you from being as active as you’d like, consider calling your doctor.
Acute pain often has a clear cause and goes away after the underlying problem is treated or healed. Chronic pain on the other hand can last for months and may not be tied to an obvious cause.
Physical therapy can help with this type of pain by strengthening muscles and joints. They can also help you manage your symptoms with a treatment plan that includes your personal goals for functioning and feeling better.
2. Lingering Pain
If you have an injury the first thing your doctor might recommend is resting it, applying ice, and using pain relievers. If the pain lingers, however, its time to visit a physical therapist.
PTs have a wide variety of treatments to help ease your pain including dry needling (which uses small needles like those used in acupuncture). They can also use heat and ice to improve circulation.
PT can address chronic pain that runs deep in your body. It’s a much more effective and less expensive option than medications or surgery.
Its the best choice for those seeking long-term pain relief. This treatment is also recommended for people with conditions like fibromyalgia.
3. Sharp Pains
Sharp pain is often a sign of serious injury if its not treated quickly the injury can become worse. A physical therapist can evaluate your injury and determine the best treatment plan.
Sharp stomach pain, for example, could be a sign of ovulation or it may be an early sign of labor or Braxton-Hicks contractions in pregnant women. If the pain is severe and lasts a long time its always best to see a doctor for further evaluation.
People often think that physical therapy is only for injured athletes, but it’s also a great way to prevent injuries and reduce pain from everyday activities!
4. Limited Range of Motion
In some cases, you may notice that you’re unable to move a joint through its normal range of motion. This can be due to lack of lubrication, structural changes in a joint (like osteoarthritis), or tight muscles that restrict movement.
A physical therapist can help you increase your range of motion through exercises called active and passive range of motion. During active range of motion, you use your own muscles to move the joint and during passive range of motion an outside force (like a physical therapist) moves the joint through its normal range of motion while you relax.
If you’re experiencing limited range of motion, consult with your doctor about possible reasons and treatment options.
5. After Surgery or a Major Injury
When you have an injury or condition that requires medical attention, a physical therapist can help. A doctor can assess the situation and recommend treatment options, such as imaging or surgery.
A physical therapist is a movement expert and can provide techniques to improve flexibility, strength, and mobility after surgery or a major injury. This includes reducing dense scar tissue that may limit movement and impede healing.
PT can also be used to reduce pain and stiffness from certain health conditions, like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. It can also be used to improve balance and posture, which are important for older adults this can prevent falls which are the leading cause of injuries and hospitalizations among older adults.
6. Changes in Joint Swelling
If your joints seem puffier and swollen than usual, this is a sign of inflammation. The inflammatory process causes your body to release chemicals that boost blood flow to the affected area, which brings in more white blood cells and fluid.
Joint swelling (effusion) often goes along with pain and might be accompanied by a fever. This is a serious sign of an infection in your joint (septic arthritis) and requires immediate care from your healthcare provider.
When you first meet with your physical therapist be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms and how long they’ve been going on. Your therapist will also want to know your medical history and past treatments.