Physical therapy has been used for centuries to alleviate pain and improve sleep quality. Hippocrates is believed to have been the first physical therapy practitioner. He developed treatments for gout, arthritic joints, and advocated manual therapy, massage and hydrotherapy treatments – all of which are still used today.
Over 150 conditions cause inflammation and pain in the body’s joints and neurological system, including both current and past injuries that persist long after healing. Common examples include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, migraine headaches, and fibromyalgia.
More than 116 million people suffer from pain due to accidents, chronic conditions, and past injuries, resulting in sleep disturbances, reduced mobility, and limited lifestyle. Physical therapists can help identify the underlying causes of this pain and show patients how it affects their daily lives. With the help of a physical therapist, individuals can learn new techniques to perform everyday tasks more easily, along with ergonomic strategies to minimize strain and pain.
How Physical Therapy can Help
Physical therapy offers a broad range of treatments for pain relief and mobility improvement. It works by targeting the body’s natural healing abilities to reduce pain, improve sleep, and restore movement.
Below are key benefits of physical therapy:
- Relieve pain
- Sleep better
- Increase stability, endurance and balance
- Improve flexibility and mobility
- Strengthen the body
- Improve neurological function
- Aid in preventing disability
One of the reasons physical therapy is so effective is its ability to stimulate the release of endorphins—natural chemicals in the body that relieve pain. This is especially beneficial for those dealing with residual pain from past injuries or surgeries.
Physical therapy is a holistic treatment that often works alongside other therapies, including nutrition and supplements, to address inflammation, medications, and other factors that contribute to pain.
Restful Nights and Pain-Free Days are Possible
A key component of physical therapy is creating a tailored exercise program designed specifically for each patient’s needs. Your physical therapist will assess your strengths, weaknesses, chronic conditions, and fitness level to develop a plan that works for you.
Physical therapy can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and promote restorative sleep which is essential for the body to heal. It can also reduce the frequency and severity of relapses or flare-ups. For example, proper spinal and neck alignment can alleviate pressure on joints and the neurological system, leading to significant pain relief.
Your treatment plan may include a variety of complementary techniques, such as:
- Exercise Programs: Aerobic exercise, clinical Pilates, and yoga are often incorporated to enhance mobility and strength.
- Manual Manipulation: If movement is limited, hands-on therapies like manual manipulation can help restore function.
- Heat and Cryotherapy: These treatments can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Ultrasound and Electrical Stimulation: These methods promote healing and improve tissue function.
- Acupuncture and Dry Needling: These therapies target specific areas of pain to enhance recovery.
- Water Therapy: Especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, water therapy reduces the effects of gravity and provides gentle resistance training.
- Therapeutic Massage: This can increase circulation, relieve stress, and improve flexibility while stimulating the immune system.
Physical therapy provides a natural, effective way to manage pain and improve sleep quality. It not only helps you move better during the day but also supports restful, restorative sleep that allows your body to heal. The treatments you receive will be tailored to your progress and adjusted as needed.
With physical therapy, there’s no need to continue suffering from pain or sleepless nights. Relief is closer than you think.