RCM PAYMENT SYSTEM MANAGEMENT UPDATE & INFO

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Determining The Origins of Your Pain

Determining The Origins of Your Pain

Are you tired of dealing with pain day in and day out? Have you been struggling with persistent pain for months or even years, and it’s taking a bigger and bigger toll on your life? When experiencing pain, sometimes the simplest tasks can become major challenges, and over-the-counter and/or prescription pain meds don’t seem to provide relief.

Unfortunately, this is a common experience for millions of Americans. Recent research has found that over 100 million people suffer from persistent pain each year. The individuals at CPPT can assist with the pain relief you are searching for.

At CPPT, we understand that pain comes in various forms, affecting people in unique ways. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in pain management, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible.

We know that pain can be overwhelming, but we’re here to remind you that there is hope! 

Understanding Different Types of Pain

Pain is a complex sensation, and it can be categorized into five main types, each with its own characteristics and underlying mechanisms. Below is an explanation of these types of pain:

  • Nociceptive Pain: This type of pain results from the stimulation of specialized nerve sensors called nociceptors. Nociceptive pain is often described as sharp, aching, or throbbing and is typically localized. It can be acute, like when you accidentally bump your knee, or chronic, as seen in conditions like arthritis.
  • Central Pain: Central pain arises from dysfunctions within the central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord).  Examples include fibromyalgia and pain associated with spinal cord injuries.
  • Neuropathic Pain: This pain type is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. It may manifest as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. It is typically associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or nerve injuries (i.e., sciatica).
  • Psychosocial Pain: Psychosocial pain involves mental and/or social factors influencing pain perception. Stress, anxiety, depression, and social support (or lack thereof) can significantly influence how pain is experienced. It is not directly tied to tissue damage but is due to mental and emotional states.
  • Movement System Pain: This pain is directly related to the biomechanics of movement, such as issues with joint positions or control and/or muscle imbalances.

Regardless of the type of pain you’re dealing with, our therapists will work with you to identify and target the sources of your pain. We’ll use gentle techniques and exercises to address these issues and help you find relief. Education will be provided to identify ways to alleviate the pain and modify activity levels as needed.

Finding Relief from Pain with Physical Therapy

When you come to a physical therapy session at CPPT, you’re taking a significant step towards finding relief from pain and improving your overall well-being. Your first session will typically begin with questions about your medical history, the specific nature of your pain, its location, and any factors that make it better or worse. 

After discussing your medical history, your therapists will evaluate your posture, muscle strength, range of motion, and any areas of tenderness. They’ll also assess your movement patterns to identify any abnormalities or dysfunctions.

Based on the information gathered during the evaluation, your physical therapist will work to identify the underlying issue causing your pain. This may involve determining the type of pain (e.g., nociceptive, neuropathic, or movement system-related) and its primary sources.

Once your therapist has a clear understanding of your condition, they will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our treatments may include manual therapy techniques to release tension and improve joint mobility. Exercises are another crucial component, tailored to your specific needs and designed to correct any movement dysfunctions. Education plays a vital role in empowering you with the knowledge and tools to manage your pain effectively.

At CPPT our therapists will help you find that balance, guiding you through the steps you need to take to feel good again!

Patient Success Story

“The therapists at College Park are the best I’ve had. I have had to go through physical therapy many times for knee surgeries. I work with Kelly and Mike and they really care about my success. They push me hard but that’s what an excellent therapist does. I am 7 weeks out from a total knee replacement and am making big gains so far. The office staff are some of the friendliest and professional people I dealt with. If I could I would give College Park a 10+.” — A.P.

Get In Touch Today

At College Park Physical Therapy our therapists will help you find that balance, guiding you through the steps you need to take to feel good again!

Request Appointment

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats with Chia

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup plain nonfat greek yogurt (or use vanilla!)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any milk)
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten free if desired)
  • 2 teaspoons chia seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together greek yogurt, almond milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla and 1 tablespoon maple syrup until well combined.
  2. Stir in oats, chia seeds and pumpkin pie spice. Taste and add more maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
  3. Pour into a glass jar or container and place in fridge for 4 hours or overnight. Makes 1 serving of pumpkin overnight oats.

Go to the Pain, Not Through the Pain

Is pain affecting your life? Does it seem like everything you try doesn’t seem to help?
Too often, the frustration of dealing with daily pain leads people to ignore or try to push through their pain. It doesn’t help that the terrible slogan “no pain, no gain” has become a part of our culture in America. Learning how to navigate pain is essential to finding the relief so many people seek.

Whether you’re tired of sporadic aches and pain or struggling with chronic discomfort, physical therapy at College Park Physical Therapy plays a vital role not just in treating pain but also in teaching patients how to manage their pain effectively.

Simple Tips to Find Relief

Our team will start by explaining the type of pain the patient is experiencing—be it nociceptive, central, neuropathic, psychosocial, or movement system pain. This helps you understand the root cause of your pain, allowing for targeted treatments addressing your unique situation.
Here’s an overview of common tools we use to empower our patients:

  • Pain Management Strategies: Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can sometimes be as effective as medication in reducing pain.
  • Activity Modification: Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference. By changing how they perform their daily activities, patients can reduce the risk of pain flare-ups.
  • Gradual Progression of Exercise: Starting slow and building up gradually can help patients realize that movement doesn’t have to be painful, reducing fear and improving function over time.

Our physical therapists will give you the tools and knowledge you need to take an active role in your pain management, making your treatment more effective and lasting. Remember the slogan, “go to the pain, not through the pain,” to guide your progress!

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