Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain Management at Shepherd Center
Activity through physical therapy can help reduce and manage chronic pain
When living with pain from an injury, trauma, or medical condition, altered movement patterns can influence orthopedic issues that increase pain with daily activities.
Physical therapy is a safe, effective, and non-surgical option to help treat these chronic issues.
At the Dean Stroud Spine and Pain Institute at Shepherd Center, physical therapy is an important part of our comprehensive pain management program, and your pain specialist may recommend it.
Our physical therapist is an expert in chronic pain and uses a variety of exercises and techniques to help treat the areas of your body that experience pain or need rehabilitation. In addition to long-term pain relief, physical therapy can help regain mobility, strength, and flexibility while minimizing the need for pain management medications.
What to Expect in a Physical Therapy Session
Your first session will include an initial evaluation to discuss your chronic pain with your physical therapist. During this session, you may also be asked to perform various exercises to get a sense of what may be contributing to your chronic pain, including testing of:
- Range of motion
- Strength
- Endurance
- Balance
- Coordination
Once your physical therapy evaluation is complete, your physical therapist will work with you to develop an individually tailored treatment plan to meet your goals and optimize outcomes. These goals may include pain relief, extended range of motion, increased strength, or improved mobility.
Physical Therapy Treatments for Chronic Pain
Physical therapists are experts in not only treating pain but also its source. Using a variety of techniques and strategies, physical therapy treatments may include:
- Manual Therapy helps reduce pain and improve mobility through joint and soft tissue mobilizations.
- Dry Needling reduces pain by addressing trigger points in muscles.
- Pain Science Education helps you understand and demystify chronic pain.
- Cardiovascular Conditioning improves mobility, health, and functioning. Cardiovascular exercise also helps reduce pain by releasing powerful neurotransmitters.
- Strengthening Exercises to improve muscle function and stabilize joints during daily activities.
- Neuromuscular Re-education to improve control of movements during daily activities, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls.
- Balance Training to improve mobility and confidence and reduce the risk of falls.
- Gait Training to improve mobility, balance, participation in activities, improve access to the community, and reduce the risk of falls.
- Assistive device and orthotic prescription for improving walking and balance.
- Modalities such as ultrasound and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) reduce pain and inflammation.
- Graded motor imaging and mirror therapy to address complex pain symptoms from conditions including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Patient TestimonialI had already been to a physical therapist for my ankle sprain and was in so much pain that I felt discouraged and quit going. Chris not only educated me on the how and the why of CRPS nerve pain in my foot but explained in excellent detail the best steps to get there without pain! He was at my side, always assessing my pain level at each step. I am SO Grateful to Chris for his expertise and compassion for me while I heal!
Lesley DouglasPatientDean Stroud Spine and Pain Institute
Appointments and Referrals for the Pain Institute
Located within Shepherd Center in Atlanta, the Pain Institute offers convenient access and free parking. A variety of scheduling options are provided, including repeat appointment times when available. As a one-stop shop for chronic pain, patients have access to the most comprehensive pain services, from a visit with a dedicated pain specialist to physical therapy, pain psychology, and more.
Dean Stroud Spine and Pain Institute at Shepherd Center
Contact Us
Our Address
2020 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30309-1465
Clinic Hours
Monday to Thursday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Friday
8:30 a.m. - Noon ET