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For you, the chronic pain patient, physical therapy is a critical element in the effort to regain the function you've lost by being afraid of moving. It's certainly understandable how this happens. It hurts to move, so you stop moving, often fearing that more damage is occurring. Many times, however, the way to reduce your pain and increase your function is to start moving again, under the guidance of a skilled therapist. He/she can teach you ways to gradually rebuild your flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination. He/she can also help you understand what's going on in your body, why certain treatments will work better for you, and why you need to follow the program designed for you. A therapist can help you through the toughest first few weeks, showing you ways to minimize the discomfort of getting your body to do things it hasn't done in awhile.
It's essential to choose a therapist you trust, and to have a clear understanding of the goals and treatment plan. If you don't believe what the therapist tells you, you are much less likely to follow through and will be doomed to fail. You also need to ask yourself if it's the therapist you don't trust, or a message you really don't want or aren't ready to hear. If it's the latter, changing therapists will make little difference. Ask yourself if both of you are listening to each other and hearing what is really being said. Frequently your doctor knows physical therapists with the expertise he/she feels is appropriate for your case. Alice Cooper L.P.T.
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