Determining The Origins of Your Pain
Are you tired of dealing with pain day in and day out? Have you been struggling with persistent pain for months or even years, and it’s taking a bigger and bigger toll on your life? For some people with pain, the simplest tasks are now major challenges, and over-the-counter and/or prescription pain meds don’t seem to provide any relief.
Unfortunately, this is a common experience for millions of Americans. Recent research has found that over 100 million people suffer from persistent pain each year. This is where Goldman Physical Therapy steps in.
At Goldman Physical Therapy, we understand that pain comes in various forms, affecting people in unique ways. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in pain management, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible.
We know that pain can be overwhelming, but we’re here to remind you that there is hope!
Understanding Different Types of Pain
Pain is a complex sensation, and it can be categorized into five main types, each with its own characteristics and underlying mechanisms. Here’s an explanation of these types:
Nociceptive Pain:
This type of pain results from the stimulation of specialized nerve sensors called nociceptors. Nociceptive pain is often described as sharp, aching, or throbbing and is typically localized. It can be acute, like when you accidentally bump your knee, or chronic, as seen in conditions like arthritis.
Central Pain:
Central pain arises from dysfunctions within the central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord). Central pain starts inside the central nervous system itself. Examples include fibromyalgia and pain associated with spinal cord injuries.
Neuropathic Pain:
This pain type is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. It may manifest as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. It is typically associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or nerve injuries (i.e., sciatica).
Psychosocial Pain:
Psychosocial pain involves mental and/or social factors influencing pain perception. Stress, anxiety, depression, and social support (or lack thereof) can significantly influence how pain is experienced. It is not directly tied to tissue damage but is due to mental and emotional states.
Movement System Pain:
This pain is directly related to the biomechanics of movement, such as issues with joint positions or control and/or muscle imbalances. Physical therapists often work with this type of pain, prescribing targeted exercises to correct movement dysfunctions contributing to the discomfort.
Regardless of the type of pain you’re dealing with, our therapists will work with you to identify and target the sources of your pain. We’ll use gentle techniques and exercises to address these issues and help you find relief.
Finding Relief from Pain with Physical Therapy
When you come to a physical therapy session at Goldman Physical Therapy, you’re taking a significant step towards finding relief from pain and improving your overall well-being. Your first session will typically begin with questions about your medical history, the specific nature of your pain, its location, and any factors that make it better or worse.
After discussing your medical history, your therapists will evaluate your posture, muscle strength, range of motion, and any areas of tenderness. They’ll also assess your movement patterns to identify any abnormalities or dysfunctions.
Based on the information gathered during the evaluation, your physical therapist will work to identify the underlying issue causing your pain. This may involve determining the type of pain (e.g., nociceptive, neuropathic, or movement system-related) and its primary sources.
Once your therapist has a clear understanding of your condition, they will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our treatments may include manual therapy techniques to release tension and improve joint mobility. Exercise is another crucial component, tailored to your specific needs and designed to correct any movement dysfunctions. Education plays a vital role in empowering you with the knowledge and tools to manage your pain effectively.
Patients are often fearful of making their condition worse. As a result, they often either do nothing or get so frustrated that they ignore clear warning signs and push through. In either case, the result is more suffering. The key is to find a balance in the middle, where you do just enough to improve but not enough to make it worse. At Goldman Physical Therapy, our therapists will help you find that balance, guiding you through the steps you need to take to feel good again!
Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!
Rediscover pain-free living at Goldman Physical Therapy—schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward feeling your best again!
Exercise of the Month
DEAD BUG
Lie down on your back with your arms by your sides, your knees bent to 90-degrees, and your feet on the floor. Raise one arm up straight and one knee up towards the ceiling at the same time. Your arm should stay straight and be pointing straight up at the top and your knee should be at 90-degrees and be pointing straight up at the top.
3 Sets, 10 Reps.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“Great! After 14 sessions, my back feels amazing. The stiffness is gone. Just as good as the recovery is the fact that I was taught exercises that will help forever. Lauren is wonderful. She is personable and a good therapist. She listens, answers questions, and gives advice. Thank you!”
-Jay H.
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Enjoy a Pain-Free Life This Fall
As leaves change and the air turns crisp, ensure back pain doesn’t cast a shadow on your fall festivities. Enjoy the season’s beauty without the burden of back pain. Our personalized treatments are tailored to your specific needs to ensure you get the results you deserve.
The perfect plan to conquer back pain includes the following:
- Effective treatments to eliminate pain and prevent future episodes.
- Personalized plans to restore your mobility and build your strength.
- Tips to enjoy family and friends without worrying about your back.
Take a step towards a pain-free life—connect with Goldman Physical Therapy today, and we’ll help you get back to doing what you love this fall!
October Word Scramble
dancy
nlhealeow
mkpupin
rwcrcesao
ealevs
dierc
Answer Key
candy
halloween
pumpkin
scarecrow
leaves
cider
Thank You for Subscribing to Goldman Physical Therapy
Indulge in layers of creamy sweetness with these Bananas Foster Parfaits, featuring caramelized bananas and a hint of warm spice. This elegant yet easy dessert is sure to impress at any gathering.
Enjoy This Seasonal Recipe!
Bananas Foster Parfaits
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 6 Tbsp dark brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened apple juice
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Peel bananas and cut each in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 3 pieces. Combine sugar, apple juice, and butter in a nonstick skillet. Cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes or until mixture begins to bubble. Add bananas to pan; cook for 2 minutes or until bananas begin to soften. Spoon 1/2 cup yogurt into the bottom of each of 4 parfait glasses. Divide banana mixture evenly among glasses. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon chopped and toasted pecans.
Is pain affecting your life? Does it seem like everything you try doesn’t seem to help?
Too often, the frustration of dealing with daily pain leads people to ignore or try to push through their pain. It doesn’t help that the terrible slogan “no pain, no gain” has become a part of our culture in America. Learning how to navigate pain is essential to finding the relief so many people seek.
Whether you’re tired of sporadic aches and pain or struggling with chronic discomfort, physical therapy at Goldman Physical Therapy plays a vital role not just in treating pain but also in teaching patients how to manage their pain effectively.
Simple Tips to Find Relief
Our team will start by explaining the type of pain the patient is experiencing—be it nociceptive, central, neuropathic, psychosocial, or movement system pain. This helps you understand the root cause of your pain, allowing for targeted treatments addressing your unique situation.
Here’s an overview of common tools we use to empower our patients:
- Pain Management Strategies: Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can sometimes be as effective as medication in reducing pain.
- Activity Modification: Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference. By changing how they perform their daily activities, patients can reduce the risk of pain flare-ups.
- Gradual Progression of Exercise: Starting slow and building up gradually can help patients realize that movement doesn’t have to be painful, reducing fear and improving function over time.
Our physical therapists will give you the tools and knowledge you need to take an active role in your pain management, making your treatment more effective and lasting. Remember the slogan, “go to the pain, not through the pain,” to guide your progress!
Meet Our Team
Dr. Aditi Patel, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Haylee Alonso, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
