Pain is a common and unfortunate condition that affects millions of people. September is Pain Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to discuss ways to recognize and assess pain to determine the best course of action. At H&D Physical Therapy, we offer chronic pain treatment to our patients to help them return to their usual activities. Continue reading to learn more about how to recognize and assess pain. 

Recognize and Assess Pain

Pain is always a profoundly personal experience influenced to varying degrees by psychological, biological, and social factors. Whether your pain is acute, sub-acute, or chronic, it can cause significant stress on your body that can become life-altering. Pain can also be challenging to recognize and assess. However, few ways that pain can be measured include:

  • Dilated pupil size. 
  • Increased blood pressure. 
  • Elevated pulse rate. 
  • Profuse sweating.
  • Cold feet or hands.
  • Facial grimacing. 
  • Restlessness or agitation. 
  • Guarding the area that’s in pain. 

Pain can also be measured on a numeric scale, usually ranging from 1-10. Understanding the signs of pain will allow our team to develop the best course of treatment to provide relief. 

Chronic Pain Treatment

Every individual experiences pain differently. At H&D Physical Therapy, chronic pain treatments begin with a thorough evaluation to understand how you express pain and adapt as a response. Our team will find the best course of action to interrupt the chronic pain cycle and provide you with much-needed relief. Some of the physical therapy treatments we utilize for chronic pain include:

  • Manual therapy. 
  • Postural reeducation.
  • Low-intensity exercises.
  • Breathing exercises. 

Contact Us

At H&D Physical Therapy, our team understands how devastating it can be to live your life in constant pain. Our personalized physical therapy programs may help restore normal function and help you return to the activities you love. To learn more about how you can take action against your chronic pain during Pain Awareness Month, be sure to contact our team today!