Does Physical Therapy Offer Chronic Pain Relief?

Yes, physical therapy (PT) offers evidence-based, effective treatment for managing various forms of chronic pain. This therapy provides a non-invasive, long-term solution that addresses both the physical and neurological aspects of pain.

Studies Supporting Physical Therapy as Pain Relief

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of physical therapy in offering relief to people suffering from chronic pain.  

Chronic Low Back Pain

A randomized controlled trial involving 104 patients with non-specific chronic low back pain for 12 weeks or more found that those who received physical therapy, in addition to exercise and medical treatment, experienced significant improvements in pain and functional status at three months and one year post-treatment compared to those who did not receive physical therapy.

General Chronic Pain Management

An article published in September of 2024 in the Journal of Crisis and Risk Communication highlighted the long-term, non-invasive solution that physical therapy provides for pain management. Researchers chronicled how patients gradually regain strength, mobility, and pain relief through their individualized exercise programs, manual therapies, and patient education. They found this approach improves quality of life, improves sleep, and reduces reliance on medications.

Reduction in Opioid Use

Research comparing those who saw a physical therapist as their first point of treatment suggests that physical therapy reduces the need for opioids. This is significant as other studies show opioids do not provide effective pain treatment for osteoarthritis, hip, knee, or back pain.  Early physical therapy intervention for musculoskeletal pain conditions, such as lower back, shoulder, or knee pain, not only reduces the likelihood of long-term opioid use, but it also decreases the patient’s healthcare costs.

How Physical Therapy Alleviates Chronic Pain

Physical therapy addresses chronic pain in many ways:

Neuromodulation and Central Sensitization

Pain perception is influenced by biological, psychological, and movement system factors. Chronic pain often involves central sensitization, where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive to stimuli. The last National Pain Strategy provided by the Department of Health and Human Services noted that most clinicians don’t understand pain mechanisms. On the other hand, physical therapists armed with unique training and skills can evaluate patient-specific dysfunction. For example, in people with mobility pain, their movement system changes are unique, can be task dependent, and range from subtle to severe.  Physical therapies like exercise and manual therapy change how pain is perceived and reduce sensitivity to pain. 

Improved Physical Function and Mobility

Tailored exercise programs enhance muscle strength, flexibility, and joint mobility. This works to alleviate pain by reducing stress on the body. Improved physical function also improves posture and movement patterns, further decreasing pain levels.

Patient Education and Self-Management

Physical therapists educate their patients about their chronic pain mechanisms. They require patients to actively participate in their therapy, and this promotes a feeling of empowerment. This approach reduces fear-avoidance behaviors and improves the likelihood that the patient will stick with their therapeutic exercise routine.

Types of Chronic Pain Benefiting from Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist benefits people experiencing:

• Chronic Low Back Pain: Exercise and manual therapy have been shown to reduce pain and improve function in individuals with chronic low back pain.

• Osteoarthritis: Physical therapy interventions alleviate pain and improve joint function in patients with osteoarthritis.

• Fibromyalgia: Tailored exercise programs and patient education have documented proof that they help manage widespread musculoskeletal pain associated with fibromyalgia.

• Neuropathic Pain: Physical therapy techniques can modulate pain perception in neuropathic conditions.

Pain Mechanisms Addressed by Physical Therapy

Physical therapy targets various pain mechanisms:

• Nociceptive Pain: Resulting from tissue injury or inflammation; addressed through exercises and manual therapy.

• Neuropathic Pain: Caused by nerve damage; managed with modalities like TENS and specific exercises.

• Nociplastic Pain: Characterized by altered pain processing without clear tissue damage; managed through education, exercise, and cognitive-behavioral strategies.

Getting Physical Therapy in Irvine, Laguna Beach, and Costa Mesa

Now that you understand that physical therapy is a validated, multifaceted approach to managing chronic pain, the question is where you can get therapy.

Balanced Body offers physical therapy services to patients in Irvine, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and other areas of Orange County.

Don’t let chronic pain control your life. Take back control with the help of the skilled therapists at Balanced Body. Schedule a free consultation to see if physical therapy can get you out of pain and back to living your best life.