Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than about three months. Over time the nervous system can become more sensitive, so pain goes on after tissues have healed. The pain is real, and physical therapy offers a non-drug, non-surgical way to work on it. East Mountain Physical Therapy has a therapist with more than 30 years of experience treating and managing long-lasting pain, and treats patients from Cedar Crest, Edgewood, Tijeras and Moriarty.
Why pain can outlast an injury
After an injury, the body's alarm system can stay switched on: nerves and the brain turn the volume up (central sensitization), so movements that should not hurt do. This is why rest alone often does not settle it, and why education about pain is part of treatment.
What a plan for persistent pain looks like
Function first, pain second.
Movement, a little at a time
Gradual activity that your body tolerates, increased in small steps so a flare does not set you back.
Hands-on care and pain modalities
Manual therapy and electrical stimulation can ease the pain enough for exercise to do its work.
Understanding pain
What is happening in your nervous system and how to keep it calm: pacing, sleep and daily habits.
Patients who tried traditional therapy without results
Our experienced chronic pain therapist works with patients who have tried traditional therapy without results, and many of them have found relief. Visits are one-on-one, and if you prefer a specific therapist, tell the front desk and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Working with your doctor
We work alongside your doctor or pain specialist and tell them what we see. For fibromyalgia, see fibromyalgia; for pain in a specific place, start at back pain, neck pain or arthritis.
Chronic Pain care in the East Mountains
We see patients from Cedar Crest, Edgewood, Tijeras, Moriarty and the East Mountains.