Handle pain with physiotherapy

Popping painkillers may seem like the only remedy, but don't be afraid to try physiotherapy, says Dr Shruti Bangera

When was the last time you felt a sudden spasm of pain in your knee or in your joints? Did you apply a healing balm or take some painkillers? It is best to understand the degree and intensity of your pain before deciding about the kind of treatment you need.

The fast-paced lifestyle today has taken a toll on our bodies. Many of us complain of back pain, knee pain, and neck strain, thanks to our round-the-clock work schedules. People assume that the easiest way to tackle these aches is by taking over-the-counter ointments or painkillers. We don’t consider going for physiotherapy sessions until the pain worsens.

Physio planning
Physiotherapy is defined as healing an injury, disease, or deformity by physical methods such as heat treatment, soft tissue mobilisation (muscle relaxation) and exercises, rather than by surgery or drugs. It is common to take medication or down painkillers rather than going in for physiotherapy, as these sessions can be time consuming. However, it is necessary to understand why one should not always pop pills when in pain.

The most important side-effect of any medicine is that when consumed regularly, the body starts building resistance towards it, and it also starts having adverse effects on the internal organs. Physiotherapy, on the other hand, is a great stress buster. It not only cures pain, but it also treats the root cause of pain in 90% of the cases.

A healing touch
Is it a good idea to just let the pain heal by itself or undergo physiotherapy for relief? Although the human body can heal injuries on its own, with time, straining the body while it is in pain can cause much harm. Ignoring the pain will also make it stay for a longer duration and compromise the condition, thus causing stiffness in the neighbouring muscles and joints. This could result in impaired functional movements. This is where physiotherapy comes in. Certain ailments take a longer time to heal, for example, post-surgery pain or a sprain. Physiotherapy can help
manage these problems and help us recover faster.

Here are some ways to know when your pain or injury requires physiotherapy:

• Persistent pain: If you feel that the pain is constant, even if it is low in intensity, there are chances that it won’t go away on its own.
• Three-day aches: Sometimes even if the inflammation has subsided, one may continue to experience some amount of pain. If this discomfort prolongs, consult your doctor.
• Injury after-effects: Although many of us try to ignore aches that start after an injury, the chances are that something may not be right, and may require treatment.
• Change in movements: If you feel your movements while walking, bending, or reaching for things have altered, consult a physiotherapist.
• Movement-based pain: In some cases, a specific movement of a body part can reactivate the pain. This may need medical attention.

It is imperative to understand and ensure that your injuries are following the appropriate healing timeline and also recognise when an injury isn’t going to heal on its own. The more you postpone the treatment, the harder it will become to resolve the problem. For those of you who have been putting off a consultation, it is important to remember that it is best to undergo physiotherapy as soon as you notice that you need help.

(The author is senior SME — Physiotherapy, Portea Medical.)