Chronic Pain

Pain is defined as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage", by the International Association for the Study of Pain. This definition supports the indication that pain can be caused by an actual injury to a tissue in the body as well as the perceived threat of injury, even if no physical damage was done the pain is perceived just the same and is real. 

Chronic Pain and Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists are the experts of movement of the human body. They are able to best help with just about any type of pain once a diagnosis is made. Your physical therapist in Olmito or Port Isabel will conduct a thorough examination of your posture, muscle movement and limitations. They will also ask you to describe your pain and ultimately they will come up with a treatment plan to help you manage your pain. 

Understanding Pain 

When pain was first being studied, it was thought that pain was simply an indicator of physical damage to a part of the body. After many years of studying, it is widely understood that pain can also be a warning sign to the body of potential damage and that caution should be taken. 

Nociceptors are the special nerves within the body that send warning signals to the brain when a tissue is injured or the potential for injury (such as a sprained wrist) is detected. When the brain receives the signals, we feel pain. Pain is felt so that we stop the movement being made and can recalculate the intended action. Oftentimes, there is no turning back from a movement, such as jumping, so when pain is felt and followed by physical tissue damage, it is time to stop the action and begin the healing process. 

Since the brain is the main conductor of pain, there may be times when pain is not registered. For example, if you sprain your wrist whilst trying to get away from a rabid squirrel, you might not be aware of your injury until you are safe. In this case, your pain warning signal was overridden by the need to survive. Once you are at a safe distance from the rabid squirrel then your brain will start to register the pain caused by your injuries. 

Pain is unique to each and every person. We know this because science has shown that no two human brains are alike. The way that pain is perceived can be influenced by life experiences, living environments, and even social structures. These different experience have an impact on a person's pain tolerances. 

Signs and Symptoms 

It is important that you know how to describe your pain to your Physical Therapist. 

Acute pain is felt shortly after an injury or damage to muscle tissue. 

If you are experiencing pain that will not go away through weeks of therapeutic exercises, then you have Chronic Pain. 

Physical Therapy Near Me

If you are interested in seeing if you can expect significant chronic pain relief from physical therapy at our clinic, we highly recommend you consider scheduling a consultation with our team. Our highly-trained physical therapists have experience in helping patients find relief from a wide range of injuries and conditions. Contact us today if you have any questions about our physical therapy program and get started on the road to better health.