Pain management program aims at providing pain relief and restoration of normal function of part of body/individual. Pain relief is provided by either pharmacological methods or interventions.
Physiotherapy as the word itself indicates is a therapy wherein pain relief and mobilization is provided by physical means like heat and cold, traction, manipulation and electrical stimulation. This therapy is an useful adjunct to conventional methods to provide pain relief and restoration of normal function.
It is a multi-disciplinary approach to pain control that is customized to each patient’s individual needs. Pian management programs are required for patients with chronic unrelenting pains. Following conditions may warrant initiation of pain management program in a patient.
- Back pain or Sciatica
- Neck pain
- Failed back syndrome
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
- Myofascial pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Facial pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Headaches
- Cancer pain
- Pain of Shingles (Herpes Zoster/ Post Herpetic Neuralgia)
- Chronic Pelvic pain
- Central pain syndromes (from spinal cord/injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, etc.)
- Phantom Limb pain
While planning the patient for the program, a detailed history of the nature of the pain and medical history of patient should be taken and treatment individualized as required. The measures commonly involved (Not a complete list though) as part of pain management programme are as follows:
1. Electrotherapy
- Cold therapy
- Heat therapy
- Ultrasound
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
2. Manipulative therapy
- Soft tissue techniques (massage)
- Passive mobilization of joints
- Passive stretching of soft tissues
- Autostretching of soft tissues
- Orthoses/ supports
3. Hydrotherapy
4. Nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation
5. Biofeedback
6. Relaxation and stress management
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