Learning About Chronic Pain

February 19, 2018 Tim@inhometherapygr.com

woman sitting on black surface inside room

Being diagnosed with an illness associated with chronic pain is life changing. Not only does it affect you physically, but knowing that the pain persists can be difficult to cope with mentally and emotionally as well. In fact, many people diagnosed with chronic pain also become depressed. The stress is even worse if your physician can’t trace the source of your chronic pain.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is defined as persistent, lasting pain that lasts for at least twelve weeks without decease. It can make it difficult to move around as you lose flexibility, stamina, and strength. Common conditions linked to chronic pain include:

Fibromyalgia
A past injury (sprain, break, pulled muscle, etc)
Spinal injury
Migraines
Infection
Arthritis
Recovery from surgery
Nerve damage

Eliminating Pain in Trigger Points

People who suffer from chronic pain often feel tight knots of muscle fiber that ache. These little knots are also known as trigger points. Trigger points are caused by collected stress in an area. There are a few ways you can relieve the pain at home:

Loosen the tight muscle fibers by massaging the area.
Use heat and ice to reduce inflammation associated with the trigger point.
Exercise! Aerobic exercise increases blood flow and stretches the muscles. Plus, the endorphins that exercise releases helps reduce pain.
Practice good posture.
Draw a hot bath with epsom salts to help reduce stress.
Reduce stress in your everyday life. Mental stress contributes to trigger point pain.

Minimizing Chronic Pain without Medication

Some people may suggest prescription painkillers to help relieve your chronic pain, but there are several dangers to taking pills. Addiction to painkillers is rampant in the United States because of prescription-happy doctors. If you have a tendency towards addictive behaviors, it may not be a good idea for you to start taking painkillers. Alternative ways to reduce pain include:

A 2013 Harvard study found acupuncture is a viable option for reducing chronic pain.
A physical therapist can help relieve pain, especially in the lower back.
Massage can help treat chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome.
A type of hypnosis called hypno-analgesia relieves pain.

While you may want to avoid pain medication, if you are dealing with symptoms of depression, you may want to ask your doctor about going on an antidepressant. They are not addictive and can help you feel better while you adjust to your diagnosis.

Traveling with Pain

Living with chronic pain can be debilitating and life limiting. Many people are fearful to travel or limit there travel to medical appointments only. However, this does not have to be the case. Traveling in a vehicle that has a higher ground to seat height makes is easier to stand up from a vehicle. Using a garbage bag on the seat makes it easier to turn/slide on a seat. For traveling longer distance MillionMilesecrets.com has an informative and well-written article about traveling with chronic pain.

Reducing Inflammation with Diet and Exercise

Chronic pain is associated with inflammation in the body. Fortunately, you can reduce inflammation with proper diet and exercise.

Avoid processed junk food and reduce your intake of salt
Drink plenty of water.
Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Replace products that contain white flour and simple carbohydrates with whole grains.
Get up every couple of hours and walk around
Add weight training to your exercise regime.
Try exercises like yoga or Pilates that both stretch and tone muscles.

In addition to reducing inflammation, adding exercise to your life and eating well can both help alleviate depression associated with chronic pain.

A chronic pain diagnosis can be devastating. Not only do you have to deal with constant discomfort, but many people also start to develop depression after being diagnosed. Chronic pain can make it difficult to get around in your day-to-day life. There are many conditions associated with chronic pain, but the causes are not always easy to detect. There are ways to help alleviate pain at home including massage and exercises to release muscle tension. While medication is an option, painkillers are extremely addictive and alternative pain relief methods should be considered.

This is a special guest blog by Jackie Waters. Her website is Hyper-tidy.com and can be reached at jackie_waters@hyper-tidy.com.

What’s the difference between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?

February 7, 2018 Tim@inhometherapygr.com

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In Home Therapy of Grand Rapids

What’s the difference between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy? That is a common question people have when starting therapy. This article will attempt to explain the difference between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. First, both a Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist are required to be licensed by the state of Michigan. You can verify a license using the State of Michigan website.

The American Occupational Therapy Association describes Occupational Therapy

“In its simplest terms, occupational therapists help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services may include comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home and other environments (e.g., workplace, school), recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.”

Some therapy clinics refer to an Occupational Therapist as the therapist that works on the shoulder, elbow and hand. In the home setting common problems Occupational Therapy works on addressing issues to manage daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking.

The American Physical Therapy Association describes Physical Therapy

“Licensed health care professionals who help patients improve or restore mobility, and in many cases helping patients reduce pain, and avoid the need for surgery and the long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. Physical therapists examine, evaluate, and treat patients whose conditions limit their ability to move and function in daily life. Your physical therapist’s overall goal is to maintain, restore, or improve your mobility and help reduce your pain.”

In the home setting common problems Physical Therapy works on addressing are home safety. This includes fall prevention, safety recommendations, equipment recommendations, balance improvement. In addition to these safety issues home physical therapy also treats common musculoskeletal problems like limited shoulder movement/pain, low back pain, neck pain, joint replacement therapy.

If you have any questions feel free to email or call to discuss your situation.

Tim Batt, PT

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