Physical Therapy for Chronic Conditions
Find Relief for Chronic Pain
Living with chronic health conditions can feel like you’re climbing an uphill battle alone, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Physical therapy can be a life-changing part of your treatment plan. Together, we can find ways out of these cycles of pain through one-on-one sessions, learning what works best for you, and working toward sustainable relief.
Who Does Monroe Physical Therapy Treat?
In the US, chronic pain affects approximately 50 million people (over 20% of the population) and neuropathic pain is the leading cause. Women and people over the age of 50 are more likely to experience chronic pain, as well as individuals who regularly perform manual labor. Rachael Gumm, AIB-VRC, can help treat anyone dealing with chronic pain.
Common Chronic Conditions
Physical therapy can help treat a range of chronic conditions. If you don’t see the issue you’re experiencing here, please reach out to Rachael to see how she may be able to help.
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain
Chronic neurological pain or neuropathic pain, can be long lasting or sporadic, ranging from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia is a type of chronic condition that involves chronic pain and affects 2-4% of the population (typically women). Many people diagnosed with fibromyalgia have a family history. The general belief among researchers is that fibromyalgia affects how the brain and spinal cord process signals, leading to increased pain sensitivity.
Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia/Widespread Neurological Pain
All pain is real and deeply personal. At Monroe Physical Therapy, you will be heard, respected, and believed. Treatment for chronic pain will be guided by four key pillars: gentle aerobic conditioning, pain neuroscience education, sleep hygiene, and goal setting.
Education plays an essential role in understanding how pain is processed in the body and how the nervous system can become sensitized or “overactive”. Improving this understanding can empower you to better manage your symptoms. Chronic pain often involves an overfiring nervous system, rather than ongoing tissue damage, and addressing this sensitivity is crucial to recovery.
Physical therapy can help calm nerve sensitivity through graded exposure to movement, gradually rebuilding tolerance in a safe and supportive way. Desensitization techniques, manual therapy, gentle strengthening, and pacing strategies are used to improve function without flare-ups. Our focus will be on restoring confidence in movement, improving daily function, and helping you regain control of your symptoms and your life.
Resources
Live Active Chiropractic
Understanding Pain in Less than 5 Minutes
Medbridge Video
How Pain Works. ft. Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD
Pain Reframed Podcast
Explaining Pain as a Pain Psychologist ft. Rachel Zoffness, PhD
Dysautonomia & Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
An estimated 1-3 million people in the US are affected by POTS and it’s most commonly seen in women. Individuals with dysautonomia and/or POTS can experience a range of symptoms, from fast heart rate, lightheadedness upon standing, and more.
Physical Therapy for Dysautonomia & POTS
There is no “one size fits all” treatment for any diagnosis. Dysautonomia/POTS are complex conditions that require careful evaluation and treatment of your individual symptoms. Physical therapy focuses on a graduated return to physical activity, autonomic regulation improvement, increased blood volume, and a reduction in symptoms.
Your treatment will be specialized and gradual, often beginning from a reclined position. Diaphragmatic breathing techniques are also used to stabilize heart rate, reduce sympathetic nervous system overdrive, and manage anxiety.
Resource
Dysautonomia International
Exercises for Dysautonomia Patients
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) & Hypermobility
A group of connective tissue disorders that mainly affects the skin, joints, and blood vessel walls is called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). People with EDS often also have dysautonomia, which can affect vital body functions like blood pressure and heart rate. Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common form, affecting approximately 1 in 20,000-40,000 people.
Physical Therapy for EDS & Hypermobility
For conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), physical therapy focuses on protecting joint integrity while improving overall function. We’ll use exercises designed to strengthen muscles to help stabilize joints and protect joint integrity while improving overall function. Treatment will emphasize low-load strengthening, proprioceptive (body awareness) training, and postural correction to create better muscular support around vulnerable joints.
Strengthening programs use controlled, low-resistance exercises to build endurance and stability without overstressing ligaments. Proprioceptive training helps improve joint awareness and coordination, which can reduce the frequency of missteps, instability episodes, and injury. Postural education and ergonomic strategies are incorporated to minimize strain during daily activities.
Treatment may also include activity modification, bracing recommendations when appropriate, manual therapy for muscle tension (while avoiding excessive joint mobilization), and pacing strategies to manage fatigue. The overall goal is to reduce joint instability, prevent subluxations and dislocations, and safely manage chronic pain to allow you to move with more confidence.
Resource
The Ehlers-Danlos Society
Principles of Physical Therapy
Addressing Chronic Pain Through Physical Therapy
While physical therapy may not be able to completely end your chronic pain, it can help alleviate symptoms. Working with a physical therapist who takes the time to get to know you and your goals can make a big difference in gaining a better quality of life.
Get in Touch
Send a Message
Hours
Tuesday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am-12:30pm
Saturday-Monday: Closed
Appointments outside of scheduled hours are available upon approval from your physical therapist.
Fax
(515) 809-3676