Have you been involved in a car accident that left you injured and in pain?
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, then you know just how complex and hard to deal with it can be. Since pain is experienced differently by each person, treatment and relief can be difficult to find.
Luckily, you don’t have to live in constant pain. Many patients choose to visit our Tampa physical therapy center, but there are also many ways you can manage your pain at home on your own. Here, I’m going to share the top pain management tips so that you can get your life back. Just keep on reading to find out what they are!
1. Hot and Cold Therapy
If pain is aggravating an area of your body, try using hot and cold therapy for relief.
Heat will help to relax the muscles and dilate the blood vessels, soothing any tightness, soreness, or inflammation. Simply place a heating pad (gel or electric) on the painful area to feel the relief.
Any applied cold therapy will reduce blood flow and decrease pain-causing inflammation. Try using an ice pack!
2. Massage
Manipulation of the body’s tissues is also another way to cope with chronic pain. This comes in the form of a massage!
Massage therapy can help locate and relieve pain by kneading, patting, and rubbing the affected areas. The benefits, besides pain relief, include improved circulation, stress relief, reduced inflammation, and increased mobility.
3. Natural Painkillers
You can also turn to nature for help when it comes to pain relief!
Humans have been using natural painkillers for thousands of years. Try using willow bark, turmeric, and even cloves to reduce your pain symptoms.
Essential oils have also been known to help improve chronic pain naturally. Lavender, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils are all good places to start!
4. Soak in a Bath
A long, relaxing hot bath does wonders for your mental health, but it can also help you manage pain, too.
The heat from the water relaxes muscles, increases circulation, and loosens stiff joints. It also provides comfort and a sense of well-being; adding your favorite scented bubble bath gels or mineral soaks will make your bath experience that more enjoyable.
5. Visit Our Tampa Physical Therapy Center
Although the aforementioned tips might work well for you, the best way to treat your chronic pain is to see a professional.
Our physical therapy programs in Tampa offer a variety of top-rated, high-quality services designed to fit our patients’ specific pain-relief needs. From ultrasound therapy to paraffin baths, we promise that we’ll find a way to treat your pain.
Don’t Let Chronic Pain Control Your Life
Chronic pain can be debilitating. If you don’t find ways to treat or manage it, then it could control your life. But now that you’re aware of these pain management tips, you’re on your way to a better, pain-free you!
Have any questions regarding our physical therapy clinic in Tampa? Don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment so that we can help you feel better.