Chronic pain physiotherapy Brisbane southside.
Chronic pain and is a highly prevalent problem worldwide with up to 10 to 20% of the population experiencing some form of recurrent pain. Pain persisting for longer than three months is considered ‘chronic’. Chronic pain often persists in the absence tissue pathology and sometimes the experience of pain can remain after an injury has been resolved.
Pain is complex with biological (our body tissues), psychological (such as mood and stress) and social (cultural) factors contributing to our experience of pain. Pain is a protective mechanism of the brain, giving us a warning signal that something we are doing could lead to tissue damage, though it is not always indicative that something is physically wrong with our tissues. For example, pressing your fingernail into the nail bed of another finger causes a lot of pain though there is no damage in doing.
With persistent chronic pain, pain extends beyond the normal range of tissue healing and the brain becomes overprotective in order to minimise any damage occurring to our bodies again by using this hypervigilant pain response.
The area of symptoms and severity of symptoms will guide the mode and extent of treatment, however globally, physiotherapy aims to restore function and independence with activities. Using a gradual approach to movement, physiotherapy will help to decrease pain by increase activity levels, pain free movement and is useful in strengthening muscles weakened with long term disuse. Physiotherapists can also help teach techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises to aid in relaxation and physiotherapy treatment can have beneficial effects on not only physical pain, but getting you physically active and can have a positive effect on mood.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, physiotherapy may be a wonderful tool to help you manage it. Our Tarragindi and Coorparoo physiotherapists are highly experienced in working with chronic pain. Call our friendly clinic on 07 3706 3407 or email [email protected] to book your physio appointment today.
Pain is complex with biological (our body tissues), psychological (such as mood and stress) and social (cultural) factors contributing to our experience of pain. Pain is a protective mechanism of the brain, giving us a warning signal that something we are doing could lead to tissue damage, though it is not always indicative that something is physically wrong with our tissues. For example, pressing your fingernail into the nail bed of another finger causes a lot of pain though there is no damage in doing.
With persistent chronic pain, pain extends beyond the normal range of tissue healing and the brain becomes overprotective in order to minimise any damage occurring to our bodies again by using this hypervigilant pain response.
- Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition that affects the muscles and soft tissue. Patients with fibromyalgia often experience widespread pain and tenderness, as well as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. A physiotherapist can develop an individualized exercise program that can help improve strength, flexibility, and endurance while also reducing pain.
- Chronic low back pain: This is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle or ligament strains, disc issues, and arthritis. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and improve function through exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and posture, as well as manual therapy and education on proper body mechanics.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): This is a chronic pain condition that usually affects an arm or leg after an injury, surgery, stroke or heart attack. CRPS may involve persistent pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as changes in skin color, temperature, and texture. A physiotherapist can develop an individualized treatment plan that may include exercises, manual therapy, and pain management techniques to reduce pain and improve function.
- Chronic headaches: Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including tension, migraines, and neck issues. A physiotherapist can help identify the underlying cause of the headaches and develop an individualized treatment plan that may include exercises to improve posture and neck strength, manual therapy, and relaxation techniques to reduce pain and frequency of headaches.
- Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can cause chronic pain and stiffness in the joints, including the knees, hips, and spine. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and improve function through exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and posture, as well as manual therapy and education on proper body mechanics.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A condition characterized by persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions. Physiotherapy can help manage symptoms of CFS by gradually increasing physical activity, improving sleep hygiene, and addressing any postural or movement dysfunctions.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A chronic condition characterized by muscle pain, tenderness, and stiffness. Physiotherapy treatment may include manual therapy, trigger point release, and exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility.
- Chronic pelvic pain: Chronic pelvic pain is pain that lasts for more than six months and is located in the lower abdomen, pelvic region, or perineum. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including musculoskeletal issues, nerve damage, or gynecological conditions. Physiotherapy for chronic pelvic pain may include exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, manual therapy to release tension in the pelvic region, and education on relaxation techniques.
The area of symptoms and severity of symptoms will guide the mode and extent of treatment, however globally, physiotherapy aims to restore function and independence with activities. Using a gradual approach to movement, physiotherapy will help to decrease pain by increase activity levels, pain free movement and is useful in strengthening muscles weakened with long term disuse. Physiotherapists can also help teach techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises to aid in relaxation and physiotherapy treatment can have beneficial effects on not only physical pain, but getting you physically active and can have a positive effect on mood.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, physiotherapy may be a wonderful tool to help you manage it. Our Tarragindi and Coorparoo physiotherapists are highly experienced in working with chronic pain. Call our friendly clinic on 07 3706 3407 or email [email protected] to book your physio appointment today.
