4 Ways Physical Therapists Manage Pain

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I'm sitting at home on Sunday feeling tired after I forgot about Day Light Saving Time springing forward. After driving our daughter to Chicago on Saturday night, and having the good fortune to also eat dinner with one of our son's (who lives in California), but forgetting about the time springing forward, I got home and to bed at 3:15 am! That said, the thought of helping people with our care pushed my fatigue aside and I am now energized to share this recent, remarkable patient story.

Usually I tell a story about a patient in pain and how a physical therapist and/or physical therapy assistant examines them, finds some unusual pain issue and with the help of a physician and physical therapy, we solve the complex problem they had had, which no one had been able to resolve.

This month's story comes from an email I recently received from a patient. It expresses what I think differentiates McDonald Physical Therapy from most health providers. So, I will share, word for word, a patient's very recent account with you. I am so proud of our entire team and how they handled this patient's very serious problem.

The letter began, "it is not often enough that we hear good news within organizations. I did not want to let this opportunity pass without letting you know that I was extremely impressed with everyone that I came in contact with at McDonald Physical Therapy.

I went to see my physician for intense vertigo. She indicated that she was referring me for physical therapy for the Epley's procedure. I spoke with Jen who is more than kind and gave me the first available appointment which was almost a week out. I understood, but I asked to be put on a waiting list for a cancellation to get it sooner. That night, after 8 PM, I got a call from Jen that she was able to move my appointment up a few days, I was grateful, but still miserable, so I asked her to leave me on the waiting list. She did and called me the next morning and got me in the next day. I was beyond grateful! I thanked Jen, but I didn't feel like it was enough.

My husband drove me to your office. I was extremely nervous and not feeling well because of the vertigo. I was met by your front desk staff who were very friendly. I was told that Pam R. would be seeing me and her assistant Meredith. Pam was highly engaged and promised me that they could get this figured out and help the vertigo to go away, even if it took a few visits. The vertigo went away after one visit with your team. I am very grateful, and I was extremely impressed with your team and will recommend your team every chance I get."

I love this email because this patient's experience presents a situation where our entire team worked as hard as possible to find a way to help a person in serious need. As I have often said, we always answer our phones and take every patient's case seriously. The McDonald Physical Therapy Team culture is to overwhelm as many patients as possible with exceptional, compassionate care.

If you are ever waiting too long to be treated for your particular injury, please feel free to call. We will do our best to help you as soon as possible.

Enjoy the journey-

Fran

Health Information

4 Ways Physical Therapists Manage Pain

No one wants to live in pain. But no one should put their health at risk in an effort to be pain free.

Physical therapy is among the safe and effective alternatives to opioids recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the management of most non-cancer related pain.

Whereas opioids only mask the sensation of pain, physical therapists treat pain through movement, hands-on care, exercise, and patient education.

Here's how physical therapists manage pain:

1. Exercise.

A study following 20,000 people over 11 years found that those who exercised on a regular basis, experienced less pain. And among those who exercised more than 3 times per week, chronic widespread pain was 28% less common ¹. Physical therapists can prescribe exercise specific to your goals and needs.

2. Manual Therapy.

Research supports a hands-on approach to treating pain. From carpal tunnel syndrome ²to low back pain ³, this type of care can effectively reduce your pain and improve your movement. Physical therapists may use manipulation, joint and soft tissue mobilizations, and dry needling, as well as other strategies in your care.

3. Education.

A large study conducted with military personnel ⁴ demonstrated that those with back pain who received a 45 minute educational session about pain, were less likely to seek treatment than their peers who didn't receive education about pain. Physical therapists will talk with you to make sure they understand your pain history, and help set realistic expectations about your treatment.

4. Teamwork.

Recent studies have shown that developing a positive relationship with your physical therapist and being an active participant in your own recovery can impact your success. This is likely because physical therapists are able to directly work with you and assess how your pain responds to treatment.

**moveforwardpt.com

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