Physiotherapy and Pain

In a physiotherapy consultation we will ask you specific questions regarding your pain. For example we may need to ask how long you’ve had your pain for, where the pain is located, how it feels and the nature of any injury that may have happened. 

Following this we will assess your movement and strength of the affected body area and possibly other areas as you may be experiencing ‘referred pain’ (pain that is felt in one part of the body but is actually arising from somewhere else). We will also have to touch the affected area. This is required to assess for any tightness/ tension you may have. 

Your therapist will then discuss what they have found on assessment and what your possible diagnosis may be. Following this we will discuss your treatment plan to address your pain. Physiotherapists can treat acute and chronic pain. However our approach may differ depending on what stage you are at:

• Acute pain: We may provide you with some exercises to regain movement or strength. We will also provide advice regarding, rest, ice and when to load your injury. Hands on treatment such as massage or taping  can also be helpful at this stage especially if you are experiencing swelling. 
• Chronic pain: As we have seen chronic pain is very complex and therefore needs a multifactorial approach. We will provide you with exercises to try to increase activity levels and we will provide advice on pain management strategies. Within treatment sessions we may also provide hands on treatment such as massage or acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to help with pain in those with chronic pain such as osteoarthritis. 

Your physiotherapist will also help you to set goals which are specific, manageable and meaningful to you. Your physiotherapist will then tailor an exercise program to help you achieve this. Exercises as well as your daily activities need to be paced and gradually increased. Your physiotherapist can help guide you through this.

If you feel like your program is too much or you are having pain for more than 2 hours after your exercises please speak to your physiotherapist!!