Chronic Pain Physiotherapy in Ontario | ProFunction.ca

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Chronic Pain Physiotherapy: A Path to Relief and Recovery

 

Introduction: Understanding Chronic Pain

 

Chronic pain is one of the most debilitating conditions that people experience. It goes beyond the normal, temporary pain caused by an injury or illness, lasting for months or even years. Chronic pain can significantly affect your daily life, making it difficult to carry out normal activities, impacting your ability to work, and even affecting your mental well-being. At ProFunction.ca, we understand how chronic pain can take a toll on every aspect of your life, and we are dedicated to helping you find effective solutions through personalized physiotherapy treatments.

Chronic pain doesn’t just stem from a single cause; it can result from various conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, or musculoskeletal injuries. Unlike acute pain, which has a clear cause and usually resolves with time, chronic pain persists without a clear medical explanation, often becoming a lifelong condition that can only be managed.

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective, non-invasive treatments for chronic pain. At ProFunction.ca, we believe in providing comprehensive care that not only focuses on alleviating pain but also improving function, enhancing mobility, and helping individuals regain control over their lives.

What Is Chronic Pain?

 

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than 12 weeks, long after the initial injury or illness has healed. It can affect any part of the body and may range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Chronic pain often becomes a condition in itself, rather than a symptom of another disease.

Common causes of chronic pain include:

  • Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints that causes stiffness and pain, often in the knees, hips, and hands.

  • Fibromyalgia: A condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.

  • Back and Neck Pain: Chronic pain from conditions like degenerative discs, herniated discs, or muscle strain.

  • Migraines: Recurring severe headaches that can disrupt daily activities.

  • Neuropathic Pain: Pain caused by nerve damage, often described as burning, stabbing, or tingling sensations.

Chronic pain doesn’t just affect the body physically; it can also lead to emotional and psychological challenges. Depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances are common among those living with chronic pain, often leading to a vicious cycle that makes the pain worse.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Chronic Pain Management

While chronic pain may seem like an insurmountable problem, physiotherapy offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to managing it. Physiotherapists are highly trained in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a variety of pain-related conditions, especially those that are chronic in nature. The goal of physiotherapy for chronic pain is not just to alleviate pain but also to improve function, restore movement, and provide long-term relief.

1. Pain Reduction

One of the most important aspects of chronic pain management is pain reduction. Physiotherapists employ a variety of treatment techniques that aim to reduce pain and discomfort, including:

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on treatment that manipulates the muscles, joints, and soft tissues to alleviate tension and restore movement. Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and myofascial release are often used to improve mobility and reduce muscle spasms.

  • Modalities: Physiotherapists use various modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot or cold therapies to target areas of inflammation and discomfort. These techniques help reduce swelling, promote healing, and offer relief from chronic pain.

  • Exercise Therapy: One of the most effective treatments for chronic pain is strengthening and stretching exercises. Physiotherapists guide you through specific exercises that help improve flexibility, strength, and endurance in affected areas, reducing strain on muscles and joints.

2. Restoring Function and Mobility

It often leads to a reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, and limited mobility. For instance, someone suffering from chronic back pain may have difficulty bending or lifting, which can affect everyday activities such as getting out of bed or picking up objects. Physiotherapy helps address these physical limitations by focusing on restoring functional movement.

Through carefully designed rehabilitation programs, physiotherapists at ProFunction.ca help you regain strength, improve posture, and restore balance. Exercises may focus on:

  • Strengthening the muscles surrounding the injured or painful area.

  • Improving flexibility and joint mobility.

  • Enhancing posture to reduce strain on affected areas.

3. Education and Self-Management

Its requires ongoing management, and one of the best ways to do this is through education. At ProFunction.ca, physiotherapists educate patients about their condition and teach them self-management techniques. Understanding your body and how to manage flare-ups is crucial in managing chronic pain.

Your physiotherapist will guide you on:

  • Proper Body Mechanics: How to lift, sit, and stand to prevent strain on the body.

  • Pain Management Strategies: Techniques such as deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and pacing to manage pain flare-ups.

  • Exercise Programs: Tailored exercises that can be performed at home to continue improving your physical strength and mobility.

4. Psychological Support

Its isn’t just physical—it affects mental and emotional health too. Physiotherapists recognize the importance of psychological support and work with patients to help them cope with the emotional challenges of living with pain. This may involve referring you to other specialists such as counselors or pain psychologists, who can help you develop coping mechanisms and manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

At ProFunction.ca, we believe in taking a comprehensive approach to pain management, addressing both the physical and emotional components.

Evidence Supporting Physiotherapy for Chronic Pain

Physiotherapy has been shown in numerous studies to be effective in managing. Research indicates that active treatment methods like physiotherapy are far more beneficial than passive treatments like bed rest or overuse of pain medications. A study published in the Journal of Pain Research demonstrated that patients who engaged in physiotherapy for chronic pain management had better long-term outcomes compared to those who did not undergo rehabilitation.

In fact, physiotherapy offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to managing pain. Which is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to avoid long-term use of painkillers or other medications. Physiotherapists at ProFunction.ca take a hands-on, customized approach to each patient’s rehabilitation, ensuring that you receive the best possible care for your unique needs.

What to Expect During Your Physiotherapy Sessions

At ProFunction.ca, your first physiotherapy session will start with a comprehensive assessment. Your physiotherapist will take the time to understand your pain, medical history, and lifestyle. They will ask you about:

  • The nature and intensity of your pain.

  • How it affects your daily activities.

  • Any treatments you’ve tried in the past.

Once your physiotherapist has gathered this information. They will develop a personalized treatment plan that includes a combination of manual therapy, exercise therapy, and education. Each session is designed to target specific areas of pain and address any movement or strength deficiencies.

As you progress, your physiotherapist will monitor your improvements and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Lifestyle Modifications to Complement Physiotherapy

In addition to your physiotherapy sessions, certain lifestyle changes can support your recovery and help manage:

  • Physical Activity: Regular low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.

  • Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce pain and inflammation.

  • Adequate Sleep: Rest is essential for healing. Ensure you are getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

  • Stress Management: Practices like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can help reduce the emotional toll of chronic pain.

When to Seek Physiotherapy for Chronic Pain

If you’re struggling with persistent pain that’s affecting your daily life, it’s time to seek help. Physiotherapy is effective for a wide range of the conditions, and the earlier you start treatment, the sooner you can begin to see improvements.

At ProFunction.ca, our physiotherapists specialize in chronic pain management, offering a holistic approach to help you regain control over your life.

Conclusion

Its doesn’t have to control your life. With the right approach, support, and treatment, you can manage pain effectively and regain your independence. Physiotherapy offers a comprehensive solution for chronic pain management, focusing on reducing pain, restoring function, and improving overall quality of life. At ProFunction.ca, our experienced physiotherapists are here to help you on your journey toward recovery. Don’t let pain hold you back—contact us today to start your path to relief and recovery.

Profile Picture of Brooke Edwardson Physiotherapy London Ontario
Book with Brooke
Brooke Edwardson

MClSc (AHCP-SEM), MPT, BScPT, Sport Cert.  

Physiotherapist London Ontario
Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
Sports Injuries Physiotherapy
Post Surgical Rehab
Sports Team On-Field Medicine

Choose Brooke for:
• Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball and Running Injuries
• Industrial / Physically Demanding Jobs + Injuries
• Spinal, Hip and Knee Injuries
• Pre- and Post- Surgical Cases (eg. ACL Recovery after Surgery)
• Strength and Conditioning
• Sports Team Medical Coverage; Tournaments, Travel, Seasonal

Brooke Edwardson

MClSc (AHCP-SEM), MPT, BScPT, Sport Cert.  

Physiotherapist London Ontario
Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
Sports Injuries Physiotherapy
Post Surgical Rehab
Sports Team On-Field Medicine

Choose Brooke for:
• Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball and Running Injuries
• Industrial / Physically Demanding Jobs + Injuries
• Spinal, Hip and Knee Injuries
• Pre- and Post- Surgical Cases (eg. ACL Recovery after Surgery)
• Strength and Conditioning
• Sports Team Medical Coverage; Tournaments, Travel, Seasonal

Book with Brooke

If you’re an athlete, at any level, you’ll want to meet Brooke.  Brooke Edwardson’s resume and skillset with athletes is extensive, and recently she added to her resume with a Masters in Advanced Health Care Practice in Sports and Exercise Medicine (AHCP-SEM) from Western University.   While in the program,  Brooke focused on all aspects of delivering comprehensive sports medical coverage for a wide variety of venues.  Additionally, she completed research on ACL-related injuries based on playing surface types in collaboration with several sports medicine and surgical physicians.  Brooke says the experience gave her one-of-a-kind insight into the risks, prevention strategies, and  keys to post-ACL surgical rehabilitation at the highest of levels. 

Having originally graduated with a Masters of Physiotherapy from Western, Brooke has quickly developed into one fo London’s brightest and most dynamic sports physiotherapists. Brooke sees patients both on and off the field and when in clinic, she chooses to treat at Pro Function’s sports injury clinic due to the fact that the facility has 40,000 sq ft of turf and two weight-training areas which allows her to really challenge her patients as they return to activity/sport. 

Professionally, Brooke has worked in various formats with Skate Canada, the Toronto Rock, at both the Canada Games and the Ontario Summer Games, with the Toronto Triathlon, St George Rugby, Great Lake Canadians (GLC) Baseball, and right here in London as the lead physiotherapist with FC London. Additionally, Brooke works as a consultant for GM Canada and feels the physicality and endurance required with line-side work mimics many of the soft tissue injuries commonly associated with the training errors seen in athletes. 

Outside of the clinic, Brooke loves finding creative ways to stay active and is up for the challenge of trying out a new sport or skill.  She enjoys running, rock climbing, hiking, water sports, and of course soccer!  She also loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.