The Science Behind Therapies:

A Comprehensive Approach to Chronic Pain Management


Chronic pain is a complex and pervasive issue affecting countless individuals worldwide. Fortunately, Vernon Memorial Healthcare offers countless grounded therapies through specialized departments to address chronic pain comprehensively. Let's explore the science behind these services and how they contribute to effective chronic pain management within a hospital setting.

  1. Therapies: The physical therapy and Occupational Therapy departments have highly trained therapists who utilize the most recent research and tools to address chronic pain effectively. The primary focus of therapy is to restore physical function by addressing the underlying causes of chronic pain. Pain is influenced by many factors, individual to each patient, that your therapist will evaluate and determine the best course of treatment.  Treatment for chronic pain is going to be individualized to each patient, but may include pain neuroscience education, movement exposure, relaxation techniques, aerobic activity, and other traditional therapy methods.
  2. Physical Therapy: physical therapy departments are equipped with cutting-edge equipment and highly trained therapists who utilize evidence-based practices. The science behind physical therapy focuses on improving physical function, reducing pain, and restoring mobility. Techniques such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation are applied to address the underlying causes of chronic pain.
  3. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists who employ scientific principles to help individuals adapt and regain independence in their daily lives. This may include specialized equipment, ergonomic assessments, and adaptive strategies grounded in scientific research.
  4. Aquatic Therapy: This evidence-based therapy harnesses the physics of buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure to unweight the joints and reduce pain and inflammation. The warm water creates a relaxing environment to allow calming of the nervous system and promotion of the breath rhythm connection to promote healing touch and gentle movements to evoke a pathway to restore function
  5. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Within hospital behavioral health departments, CBT is a well-established therapy that addresses the psychological aspects of chronic pain. It is rooted in cognitive science and helps patients reframe negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and manage the emotional impact of pain effectively.
  6. Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices have been shown to calm areas of the brain associated with the perception of pain and promote stress reduction, making them valuable components of pain management.
  7. Dry Needling: Dry needling can assist with modulating pain signal pathways. Treatment of trigger points can release neurotransmitters offering pain relief.  

In Conclusion, a wealth of evidence-based therapies to tackle chronic pain comprehensively. By combining the science of these therapies with the expertise of healthcare professionals, our team can help your approach to pain management that not only alleviates symptoms but also improves the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals dealing with chronic pain. Patients need not face the challenges of chronic pain alone, as science and healthcare services come together to offer hope and relief.

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