Physical Therapy

A woman in athletic wear performs resistance exercises on a machine while seated. A man in a blue shirt stands behind her, offering guidance. The room has offices and computers in the background.

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.

An older man in a green shirt uses exercise equipment in a fitness area, assisted by a man in a blue shirt. Behind them are stacked colorful medicine balls and gym mats. The setting is well-lit and equipped for physical activity.

What to expect in a physical therapy session

Your first session includes an evaluation where your physical therapist assesses your chronic pain. You may perform exercises to test range of motion, strength, endurance, balance, and coordination. Once the evaluation is complete, your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve goals such as pain relief, improved mobility, increased strength, or enhanced range of motion.

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).

I 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 Douglas, Georgia Patient, Dean Stroud Spine and Pain Institute