Pain
Pain is the most common reason people seek treatment from a health care professional and, even though one in five adults in Canada experience it, persistent pain is not as well managed as it could be.
Current research is showing that pain is influenced by many factors including biological, psychological and social inputs. That means there isn’t just one contributor to pain, and there isn’t just one possible solution for management and change.
Multi-modal treatments like combining manual therapy, activity, and information can be more effective for long-term change and management of pain. Making a plan to coordinate more than one type of treatment is a good way to reach your goals.
Injury, Rehabilitation, Mobility
Rehabilitation is important after an injury, post-surgery or when you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that impacts your physical function (ie Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis etc).
Minor injuries like sprains and strains are often self-limiting and will go away with time and conservative management. With injuries that require compensation, other parts of our bodies can also be affected.
More significant injuries can take more time, and may initially be more concerning because the amount of swelling and stiffness present isn't always indicative of the extent of tissue damage that has occurred. A proper diagnosis can be helpful with recovery.
Exercise programs can also be useful for people with different levels of mobility. Often people tend to do too much too soon, or not enough to make a difference. Knowing how to get back to activity safely can motivate you to continue moving.
What Does a Physiotherapy treatment plan look like?
Each plan is unique for the situation and your personal goals.
At the initial appointment, Tricia will discuss your health history, the circumstances around the presenting issue and ensure that any conditions needing further diagnostics or follow up are considered. She will also perform a thorough physical assessment. Your goals will be established and a timeline for meeting those goals with evidence based treatments will be discussed. With Tricia's help and guidance, you will build a treatment plan that you are comfortable with.
The plan may include:
- Hands-on treatment for pain and mobility
- Information about pain, as it pertains to your situation
- Movement modifications for day to day activities
- Graded increases in movement, exercises and loads
- Habituation strategies to address painful movements
- Realistic time lines for progression based on issues and goals
The MOVE Pain Care Philosophy
Current research shows that movement and exercise can be very effective long-term solutions or management strategies for most musculoskeletal pain states; but what that looks like for each person and each situation is different. There is no absolute “right” way of moving, but there are better or more meaningful ways to move, depending on the situation and the goals of treatment.
That said, the benefits of movement and exercise are often enhanced when combined with other treatments such as manual therapy and education about pain and your condition.
Traditional treatment is often directed toward the biological inputs of pain with manual therapy, movement strategies and exercise progression. However, how you feel, how much you know about your situation and how those things impact your day to day activities are all part of the inputs that make your situation unique to you.