Chronic pain from injuries can be life changing for athletes, especially since they have spent years improving their skills. If the injury happened in the beginning of the season, they have to watch their teammates and opponents from the sidelines to remain updated on their strategies. This may result in bitterness and frustration, as committed athletes will want to return to playing the sport they love.
In an article posted on the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website, a renowned doctor sums up these feelings based on the experience of a veteran who served in Iraq: “Chronic pain is, in and of itself, a chronic illness. Chronic pain is its own disease, and it can be very isolating. It can lead to depression.”
To return to fighting form, injured athletes need to channel all their efforts into getting better. They can undergo physical therapy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, under the guidance of trusted physicians like those at the Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics. In the article, a practicing physical therapist goes on to explain how they can make a significant difference during treatment:
“We use a variety of evidence-guided treatments to deal with chronic pain…When we go low and slow, physical therapists are able to gradually increase the intensity of active exercises. We also educate the patient about how brain and central nervous system hypersensitivity contribute to their chronic pain. We encourage our patients to never give up, that this does not have to be a way of life.”
Throughout the treatment, the goals of the patient and the Chattanooga physical therapist (PT) will be aligned. The process may be long and hard, but PTs will do what needs to be done to help their patients get back on their feet. When they create a recovery program, the PT ensures that the athlete is able to build on their strength, manage any chronic pain, and recover from the injury.
Every time the patient reaches a milestone, the PT realizes the same achievement, too. Perhaps one of the biggest triumphs for all physical therapists is seeing their patients step back into the field to play their first game once they’ve fully recovered from their injuries.
(Article Excerpt and Image from Manage Chronic Pain With the Help of a Physical Therapist; American Physical Therapy Association)