Understanding Chronic Pain: How Physiotherapy Can Help

Living with chronic pain can be challenging, impacting your ability to enjoy daily activities, stay active, and maintain independence. Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting three months or longer, and it is common among older adults. While it may feel overwhelming, there are ways to manage pain and support your quality of life.

Physiotherapy is one approach that may assist in addressing chronic pain. Here’s what you need to know about its causes—including those related to neurological disorders—and how physiotherapy may help.

What Causes Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain can arise from various conditions, including:

• Arthritis: Joint inflammation may lead to ongoing pain and stiffness.

• Back Pain: Often associated with degenerative changes in the spine, posture issues, or past injuries.

• Neuropathic Pain: Nerve-related pain from conditions like diabetes, sciatica, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Neurological Disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or stroke may result in chronic pain due to nerve damage, spasticity, or muscle weakness.

• Muscle or Soft Tissue Pain: Caused by overuse, injury, or age-related changes.

Chronic pain can also be influenced by factors such as stress, sleep problems, or reduced physical activity. Understanding its causes is the first step toward developing strategies for managing it effectively.

How Physiotherapy May Help

Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, improve movement, and enhance your ability to perform daily tasks. Treatments are personalised and may include:

1. Targeted Exercises

   Gentle exercises tailored to your needs may help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce strain. For neurological conditions, exercises might focus on reducing spasticity, improving coordination, and enhancing mobility.

   
   

2. Manual Therapy

   Techniques such as massage or joint mobilisation may assist with stiffness and mobility. For nerve-related discomfort, physiotherapy can target specific areas to support function and movement.

   
   

3. Education and Self-Management

   Physiotherapists provide strategies for managing pain, such as improving posture, pacing activities, or relaxation techniques. For those with neurological disorders, guidance on adapting movements or managing fatigue can be beneficial.

   
   

4. Balance and Mobility Training

   Chronic pain and neurological disorders may affect balance and coordination. Tailored exercises can assist in improving stability and reducing the risk of falls.

When to Seek Help

If chronic pain or a neurological condition is limiting your daily activities or affecting your quality of life, seeking professional support may be helpful. A physiotherapist can assess your situation, identify contributing factors, and work with you to develop a plan tailored to your needs.

Take Control of Chronic Pain

While chronic pain can feel overwhelming, support is available. Physiotherapy offers an evidence-based approach to help manage pain and improve your overall well-being.

At Sunrise Rehab, we provide home-based physiotherapy tailored to your needs, including care for chronic pain and neurological conditions.