Effective Techniques for Pain Management in Sports Physiotherapy
Are you an athlete dealing with persistent joint or muscle pain? Or maybe you recently injured yourself and have been struggling with pain as you work through your recovery. Either way, you don’t have to suffer! Pain management in sports physiotherapy is a robust field, and Choice Health Centre offers several techniques to help you find relief.
Injuries are the primary reason why athletes struggle with pain. Sometimes, these injuries are obvious–for example, maybe you tore your ACL on the soccer field or sprained an ankle while going for your morning jog.
Other times, though, these injuries sneak up on you. You might notice persistent, nagging pain during activity, only for it to fade at rest. If left untreated, the pain will worsen over time, as well as put you at risk for a more significant injury. The reason? That pain is your body’s way of letting you know something’s wrong–in this case, it’s probably an overuse injury brought on by repetitive motions of awkward postures.
We offer several techniques for pain management in our sports physiotherapy sessions. We aim to not simply mask your pain but address the underlying cause so you can stay safe in your chosen sport.
Keep reading for an overview of some of our favorite pain management techniques. You can also call our Bedford clinic for more personalized information!
Five Ways Sports Physiotherapy Provides Pain Management
Manual Therapy
- Manual therapy includes several hands-on techniques that reduce pain, improve mobility, and boost blood circulation. For example, we might gently manipulate your muscles or tendons (soft tissue manipulation) or guide an injured joint through its current range of motion (joint mobilization).
Pain-Relieving Modalities
- Modalities are physiotherapy treatments that utilize technology. For example, shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to facilitate the body’s natural healing processes, helping to relieve pain. Electrical stimulation does the same thing but with a small electrical pulse. We offer several different modalities and can let you know which is right for your needs.
Acupuncture
- Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into key points throughout the body. Research shows that acupuncture is an effective treatment for several pain conditions, especially musculoskeletal pain.
Therapeutic Exercise
- If you’re dealing with orthopedic pain, one of the worst things you can do is avoid physical activity! Therapeutic exercise plays an essential role in pain management, although it’s important you perform the correct exercises for your needs. Our physiotherapists can let you know what to do–and ensure you’re doing it safely.
Biomechanical Assessments
- Athletes often develop pain because something is off about their biomechanics. Our physiotherapists will assess how you move and provide guidance on addressing any compensations or abnormal movement patterns contributing to your pain.
Start Managing Your Pain Today!
Pain management in sports physiotherapy is integral to what we do here at Choice Health Centre. We know you’re eager to get back to your chosen sport, but it’s vital to resolve the root of your pain before you injure yourself further. Pain management is the first step in that process.
If you’re an athlete struggling with pain, schedule an appointment today! We’ll help you find a solution that works for you.