Key Approaches to Successful Pain Management Care
Pain, no matter what its source, can be difficult to get under control. Chronic or debilitating pain can severely limit a person’s ability to function on a daily basis and can quickly lead to feelings of depression and anxiety if it’s not appropriately managed. Pain might come from an injury, surgery, chronic disease, or even medical treatment but whatever the source, learning how to manage it is critical to maintaining a higher quality of life.
There are several paths to pain management. Understanding the different pain options is key for choosing the best one for relieving pain while not producing any unwanted side effects. For those in need of pain management, here are a few of the main options to discuss with a health care provider.
A Holistic Approach to Pain Management Through Therapy
Therapeutic services offer a more holistic approach to pain, one that addresses healing the pain at the source, while helping the body recover in a way that promotes strength and flexibility, along with pain management. Therapy, which can include both physical and occupational therapies, offers treatment that is focused on both the mind and the body. Pain, by its very nature, is physical but with psychological components. Physical and occupational therapies can address pain on both of these levels.
Physical therapy is frequently prescribed for pain management in response to an illness, injury, or surgical procedure that has left the patient with a significant amount of pain and limited mobility. For instance, after a period of immobility following an operation, physical therapy can help the patient regain their strength, which in turn reduces the level of pain they feel.
Occupational therapy is another option that assists people in overcoming pain and limited mobility that interferes with them carrying out acts of daily living. Occupational therapy can be important for helping the patient with accommodations that limit the amount of pain they experience with normal daily activities, as well as taking proactive steps in reducing the risk of injury.
Because both physical and occupational therapy help the patient achieve a greater level of self-sufficiency, they tend to help with the psychological aspect of pain and provide a mental incentive to continue to work toward becoming pain free.
Pain Relief With Medications
There is good reason to use caution when turning to medications for pain relief. For opioid based medications, there’s always the risk of dependency. An additional issue of concern when prescribing pain medications for seniors is the risk of contraindications with other medicines they’re currently taking. If you’re considering a pain relief medication, it’s important that your doctor and pharmacist conduct a thorough review of the medications you’re currently taking.
Other Pain Management Options
Of course, therapy and medications aren’t the only methods of pain relief. Many are able to find relief from chronic pain by practicing daily meditation, doing stretching exercises, massage, biofeedback, and other visualization and relaxation techniques. If you’re interested in a more natural way to handle pain relief, discuss each of these options with your health care provider.
Taking a Holistic Approach to Pain Management Care
We’re dedicated to holistic pain management care and are here to help you regain your life. Contact Princeton Health Care Center today to learn more about our pain management clinic.