Managing Chronic Pain the Right Way

Are you struggling with persistent pain that’s limiting your ability to move, work, or enjoy life? Even if you’ve tried physical therapy before without lasting results, Snyder Physical Therapy in Tower City, PA offers a fresh, personalized approach that can make a difference.

Chronic pain doesn’t always follow a clear cause-and-effect path. It can linger for weeks, months, or even years—long after an injury has healed or without an identifiable source. When pain lasts for three months or more, it’s classified as chronic pain—a condition that impacts not just your body, but your emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

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At Snyder Physical Therapy, we understand the complexities of chronic pain. Our expert team has successfully helped many patients manage and reduce their symptoms using proven, patient-centered strategies. We combine hands-on techniques, customized therapeutic exercises, and education to empower you with the tools you need to regain control and return to the activities you love.

You don’t have to live with chronic pain. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and begin your journey toward long-term relief.

How did my chronic pain develop?

In most cases, chronic pain stems from a neurophysiological origin. Chronic injury, illness, anxiety, and feeling depressed are intertwined in a complicated web, which leads your neurological system to always be on high alert. Chronic pain can appear in the form of back pain, joint pain, nerve pain, or headaches. It most commonly occurs due to one of the following causes:

Accidents

Any accident can lead to chronic pain, whether it occurs in an automobile, workplace, or even in your own home. According to a 2016 statistic found by OSHA, workplace injuries happen to approximately 2.9 out of every 100 employees. Additionally, a study published in a journal called Pain determined that 21% of people involved in motor vehicle accidents develop chronic widespread pain in the weeks following their accident. This pain does not go away on its own, but seeking the help of a physical therapist can help alleviate it.

Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries are very common, and they can occur in any part of the body that is used repetitively in your day-to-day life. For example, the way you stand, walk, work, and exercise can all take a toll on your body. It results in overuse injuries if you are not using proper techniques. This can result in damage to your joints and muscles, thus causing chronic pain. For example, if you perform heavy lifting at work many times a day, with improper techniques, this can lead to chronic back pain. Physical therapy can help you learn how to properly move your body in your everyday life, in order to avoid these issues.

Disease

There are many diseases that can lead to chronic pain, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, shingles, neuropathy as a result of diabetes, and more. These can all result in chronic pain, which can be alleviated through physical therapy treatments.

Surgery

Surgical procedures are sometimes unavoidable. While they may be necessary for alleviating certain conditions you are facing, the post-surgical recovery period can be just as painful. Surgical repair of an area of the body is enough to correct a structural problem, but we often compensate in our movement for the pain we experience. Weeks, months, or even years of compensatory movement often causes additional pain after surgery if the movement is not corrected. Physical therapy offers post-surgical rehabilitation services that can help speed up recovery time, relieve pain, and reduce the risk of chronic pain in the future.

What’s the difference between chronic and acute pain?

Acute pain typically resolves on its own within a few hours, days, or weeks. For instance, a mild ankle sprain is a common example of acute pain, as the discomfort usually fades within a short period.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for 3 to 6 months or longer. It can stem from various underlying causes and is one of the leading reasons people seek medical care. Chronic pain can significantly impact your quality of life by restricting movement, increasing reliance on prescription medications, and contributing to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Fortunately, with support from Snyder Physical Therapy, these effects can be managed and even prevented.

Can I find relief for my chronic pain?

Yes—one of the primary goals of physical therapy is to relieve pain by identifying and addressing its root cause, rather than simply masking symptoms with medication.

At our Tower City, PA clinic, our highly trained physical therapists are movement specialists who diagnose physical issues and treat the structural sources behind them. During your evaluation, we’ll assess weak areas, identify limited range of motion, and check for imbalances in posture, gait, or alignment. This comprehensive approach helps pinpoint the underlying factors contributing to your chronic pain.

Based on your evaluation, your physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This may include hands-on manual therapy to improve joint and soft tissue mobility, pain-relieving modalities, and targeted exercises to rebuild strength and function. Your plan will also include a customized at-home program to help you stay active and maintain progress outside of the clinic.

If you’re ready to find lasting relief from chronic pain, contact us today in Tower City, PA to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team is here to support your recovery. We also proudly serve patients in nearby areas, including Williamstown, Dayton, and Elizabethville, PA.