Say goodbye to nagging pain and discomfort with the help of a PT.
PT is the best possible recovery option for you, whether you have just begun waking up with generalized aches and pains or have been suffering from chronic pain for a long time.
Leading a sedentary life, lack of exercise, inadequate diet, and injuries will all lead to aches and pains. The unfortunate news is that the suffering is unlikely to go out on its own. The good thing is that a physical trainer will help you get back on track and rid yourself of those aches and pains.
If you’re ready to start living a healthy and active lifestyle, free of pain and discomfort, call us today. We’d be happy to schedule an appointment for you.
Common causes of pain
If you suffer from generalized aches and pains when you wake up in the morning, here is what your physical therapist will tell you. Our bodies build up inflammation in the tissues throughout the day. This can be extremely subtle and you may not notice it, even by the end of the day.
But when we lie down and go to sleep, the inflammation can thicken and settle into our muscles. This in turn immobilizes your joints and can lead to aches and pains when you wake up. That same process repeats, day after day.
Eventually, chronic pain can set in if you do not make any lifestyle changes to correct the problem. This is why it is a great idea to contact our office for a consultation before the pain leads to more serious health problems.
How does a PT diagnose pain?
Your first visit with a PT will involve a conversation about your symptoms and medical history, as well as some simple tests. Be prepared to answer questions about past injuries that may be contributing to your current aches and pains. Your diet, exercise routine, and daily activities will also be discussed. These questions are asked to give your therapist an idea of the possible cause or causes of your aches and pains.
You will then be given a series of tests, based on your description of your symptoms. These will involve posture and range of motion exercises, and possibly some strength and resistance tests. When your therapist knows where you are experiencing aches and pains and has determined the likely causes, your personalized PT treatment plan will be drawn up.
How PT can improve your life
Physical therapy has a wide range of tactics and techniques that can be deployed to help with pain management. Here are just a few:
- Joint and bone manipulation
- Tissue massage
- Cold laser therapy to release endorphins
- Movement therapy and exercise
- Manual therapy
- Microcurrent stimulation to release serotonin
Within each of those categories, your physical therapist has a lot of tools and techniques at their disposal.
For example, movement therapy and exercise might mean running on a treadmill or working in a swimming pool. It all depends on your physical condition, the source of your aches and pains, and the treatment methods that are most likely to meet with results.
Could the problem also be your mattress?
Did you know that sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause or worsen lower back pain? Lack of support from a mattress reinforces poor sleeping posture, strains muscles, and does not help keep the spine in alignment. Sleep Advisor says “The effects of sleeping on a bad mattress extend beyond your bedtime and can even affect your breathing and mental health.”
If your mattress does not match your preferences, sleep comfort will be sacrificed A mattress that provides both comfort and back support helps reduce low back pain, allowing the structures in the spine to rest and rejuvenate during the night.
While the Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years, the way you feel in the morning is a better indicator that it’s time to replace your sleep surface.
If your mattress was once comfortable but now seems to be at the root of your aches and pains, it may be time to replace it. Physical changes like injuries, surgery, and weight change can also change your body’s position as you sleep, necessitating a faster change in your mattress.
Do you live with persistent pain or discomfort?
If you’ve noticed yourself becoming frustrated at how many things you’re no longer able to do on your own due to pain and discomfort, it may be time to visit with a physical therapist.
Your physical therapist will consult with you to advise you about how to live a healthy lifestyle in order to keep aches and pains at bay. This will include everything from tips on keeping hydrated and eating healthier to drills and workouts you can do at home.
The goal is to bring you to the point where you are able to be safe without needing to go to physical therapy on a daily basis. Much of this will help to alleviate the aches and pains, as well as teach you how to manage your discomfort on an ongoing basis if necessary.
Find real pain relief today at our clinic
If aches and pains are starting to lower your quality of life, it’s time to take that first positive step by calling our office to make an appointment.
Contact us today to schedule your first appointment with a trained and licensed physical therapist.
