A: Acute pain might be mild or severe and last anywhere from a moment to 6 months. As most injuries heal within 6 months, the underlying cause of acute pain is typically resolved in this time. Pain lasting beyond “normal healing time” for tissues (6 months +) is considered chronic pain. Sometimes chronic pain has no identifiable cause. This kind of pain is the result of nerves that have become sensitized and continue to send messages to the brain that are perceived as pain even in the absence of any tissue damage.
Q: Can I expect to benefit from treatment even if there’s nothing that can be done to “cure” my problem?
A: Physical therapists are trained extensively in how to manage and care for the person as a whole as they travel on their journey towards optimal function. The key here is optimization and maximization of the function one does have. We can address immediate concerns related to pain and movement. We can teach you how to strengthen your body to improve or maintain movement that you do have. We can help you set up a self-care program so you can manage symptoms at home or at work. We offer classes that one can participate in on a regular basis to maintain mobility, improve strength and increase flexibility. We are here to answer any specific questions you have about your condition and how to manage it.
Q: When can I expect to recover or feel better?
A: It depends on how your body responds to the treatment and the severity of your condition. It’s important to take a day-by-day approach and to listen to your body for what’s working or what’s not and to communicate that to your therapist or practitioner. It’s also important to keep a positive outlook and not focus on the pain or obstacles and more on the solution or goal.
Everyone progresses differently and many factors will affect the speed of your recovery. Complex and/or chronic conditions will generally take longer to resolve than acute injuries. What you do between sessions will impact your recovery as well. We offer a variety of classes at The Center for Physical Health and our practitioners provide patients with home exercise programs. The more active you are in your therapy program the sooner you will see results.
Q: Chronic pain has kept me from exercising. Is Pilates too difficult for me to do and if not, what are the benefits if it won’t cure me?
A: Pilates is effective for conditioning or rehabilitation for those suffering with pain because it’s an extremely flexible exercise system which we will tailor to your needs. Generally, Pilates Mat work may be too challenging as a starting point because it lacks the support and proprioceptive feedback provided by Pilates equipment. Many exercises are performed while reclining or sitting and most are low impact, partially weight bearing and gentle. There will be an emphasis on coordinating breath with your movement, which oxygenates the blood and increases circulation to all regions of your body, increasing relaxation of muscles and thus avoiding undue tension. Our instructors will focus on smooth, flowing movement, emphasizing the quality of your movement over quantity, helping you to become more in tune with your body and actually re-training your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion while increasing strength. This is all invaluable to your overall sense of well-being.
Q: How Can The Feldenkrais Method help me?
A: Your Feldenkrais PractitionerCM will help you become aware of how your habits of movement and posture might contribute to the discomfort associated with your condition. You will develop a deeper, more accurate sense of self awareness. The heightened awareness will help you find more efficient, effective, and comfortable ways to move.