What does Physical Therapy do?
Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that works with patients to help them improve their physical abilities such as their ability to move. The physical therapist works with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan to help achieve specific goals. For chronic pain, physical therapy focuses on the physical body as a source of nociception and uses a broad range of techniques to diminish nociception and subsequently pain.
What other names might this go by?
Work hardening, Functional capacity evaluation, Performance improvement, Rehab
What to expect
Through personal interview and individual testing, physical therapists will review your state of health related to your musculoskeletal system (e.g., joints, bones, muscles), neurological system (e.g., nerves, spinal cord), and cardiovascular system (e.g., heart, lungs). Following this evaluation, the physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Treatment may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, education about body mechanics and posture, pain relief techniques such as heat, cold, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound, as well as guidance on activity modification and pacing.
Potential Risks
As with any exercise program, there are risks of overdoing it which could exacerbate pain. However, effects are often short-term and can be resolved using techniques such as heat, cold, and massage.
Resources
University of Michigan Rehabilitation: http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/rehabilitation