Chronic pain is often so debilitating it can take over your life. It’s hard to be productive when you’re in constant pain. Holding a job usually seems impossible, and it feels like no one understands what you’re going through as pain takes over your life, even making it hard to sleep at night. However, learning how to manage chronic pain can help you get your life back. Whether heading to a physical therapy clinic or exploring holistic methods, learning more about managing pain is your secret to enjoying life again.

1. Physical Therapy

A physical therapy clinic can help you find a physical therapy routine that works to help your condition. Physical therapy works to address the root cause of your chronic pain. A therapist can also help increase mobility and flexibility to prevent additional pain. Physical therapists can work alongside personal trainers for a unique combination of increasing mobility and building core strength to prevent pain naturally.

2. Nutritional Education

You’ll find much more than therapy at a physical therapy clinic. Many also offer nutritional coaching or education to help you learn how food can impact your pain. We've seen that certain foods are known to increase inflammation throughout the body, which can make your chronic pain significantly worse. Food allergies can also cause chronic pain and various other symptoms. Learning about nutrition and how food impacts your body can help you learn to manage chronic pain naturally.

3. Regular Exercise

Exercise is a great way to manage various conditions. It does improve physical mobility and flexibility, making you less likely to get injured or suffer from additional pain. Building strength is an exceptional way to ensure the muscles around the area causing pain can provide adequate support for the rest of your body, such as your spine. This holistic approach is readily available at a physical therapy clinic. You’ll discover options like HIIT training, personal trainers, and other options to help you increase strength.

4. Lifestyle Analysis

Professionals at a physical therapy clinic can help you find the root causes in your life that are contributing to chronic pain. For example, processed foods and those high in sugar can contribute to inflammation, according to Harvard Health. Similarly, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, not drinking enough water can make you mildly dehydrated, reducing flexibility. Learning the root cause of your chronic pain can help you discover lifestyle changes to help manage your pain.

5. Reducing Stress

Stress takes its toll on your mind and body. Because of this, it’s common for those dealing with stress to choose remedies such as exercise and nutrition to help reduce this. There are several things you can do yourself as well. According to Harvard Health, plenty of leafy greens, like kale, can help fight oxidative stress caused by processed foods. You can also enjoy mindful meditation to relax after a long day or practice yoga and tai chi to help manage stress and other negative emotions. These minor steps go a long way in ensuring you feel your best.

6. Staying Active

Heading to a physical therapy clinic is a great way to learn more about yourself and practice specific techniques regularly. However, you also need to do your part at home. Try to stay active as much as you can physically tolerate. This may involve something as simple as cleaning the kitchen or walking around the block. Do what you can, and always rest when necessary. As time goes on, slowly increase your level of activity. Gradually increasing physical activity ensures you don’t overdo things and accidentally injure yourself.

7. Alternative Methods

According to LLCBuddy, 78% of people prefer pain management that involves drug-free methods. A physical therapy clinic will offer several alternatives to pain medication. You can also speak with your professional team about other options that may help, such as a professional massage. A massage can help loosen tense muscles that are responsible for pain. It’s common for muscles to tense up when there is a problem like spinal misalignment because they are working too hard to support everything.

Dealing with chronic pain can be challenging, but you’ll love life once you learn how to manage chronic pain. A physical therapy clinic can help you discover alternative ways to address pain so you can live a fulfilling life again. If you're seeking ways to help your pain through exercise, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle, contact us at Transformative Health 180 today.