Living with chronic pain can affect every single aspect of daily life and functioning and keep you away from the things you want to do. Fortunately, occupational therapy is a highly effective treatment in many cases of chronic pain, helping people adapt and reduce their pain in order to live better.
At JAG Physical Therapy, our expert occupational therapists understand that each person's pain is unique, and so are the solutions we provide. Book an appointment with us today or find your nearest location in New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania to get started on your journey of relief from chronic pain, or read further to learn more on how occupational therapy is used to combat this type of pain.
What Defines Chronic Pain and How Does It Impact Daily Functioning?
Chronic pain is any type of pain that persists for more than three months. The sensation can be constant or intermittent and occur anywhere in the body. Chronic pain may affect physical, mental, and emotional health and cause difficulty at work and during downtime and socialization. Many cases of chronic pain are idiopathic or come from idiopathic health conditions, meaning they have no identified cause.
The occupational therapists at JAG Physical Therapy can help you identify the factors that exacerbate pain and provide alternative strategies to alleviate discomfort.
How Does Occupational Therapy Aid in Managing Chronic Pain?
Occupational therapists can employ various strategies to help patients manage chronic pain. These include activity modification, use of adaptive equipment, and lifestyle adjustments to ease daily tasks. In this case, occupational therapy focuses on decreasing the frequency and duration of painful episodes, meaning an occupational therapy program can reduce the need for pain medication for some people.
Customized Approaches in Occupational Therapy
At JAG Physical Therapy, we understand that managing chronic pain is a deeply personal journey. That's why our occupational therapists are committed to providing you with compassionate care that's as unique as you are. The personalized treatment regimen we develop for you may include the following and more:
- Pain Management Strategies: These techniques are designed to alleviate discomfort and enhance your ability to engage in daily activities. Strategies may include:
- Activity modification to avoid pain triggers
- Use of assistive devices to ease task completion
- Pain relief exercises and movement therapies
- Ergonomic Assessments: We can evaluate your work and home environments so that they can be optimized to support your physical well-being. This includes:
- Adjusting your workspace for better posture and comfort
- Recommending ergonomic tools and furniture
- Teaching proper body mechanics for daily tasks
- Stress Reduction Techniques: These methods help manage stress, which can often exacerbate chronic pain. We focus on:
- Mindfulness and relaxation exercises
- Breathing techniques and meditation practices
- Lifestyle counseling for a balanced, stress-reduced routine
What Are the Advantages of Using Occupational Therapy for Chronic Pain Management?
Occupational therapy for chronic pain management offers significant benefits. These may include improved daily functionality, reduced pain perception, increased independence, and enhanced quality of life.
Our therapists employ evidence-based interventions that address pain-related functional impairments, focusing on activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and other daily life activities.
This holistic approach considers various factors influencing the experience of pain and applies self-management strategies, functional activities, hands-on techniques, and specific exercises to improve capabilities.
JAG Physical Therapy: Your Chronic Pain Management Partner
At JAG Physical Therapy, we offer a comprehensive approach to chronic pain management. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to enhancing your quality of life, ensuring your safety, and reducing the risk of worsened symptoms.
With locations across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, we're ready to support you on your path to lessened pain and greater quality of life. Contact us or schedule your appointment now.