Chronic pain is pain that persists for longer than three to six months, often outlasting the normal healing process of an injury or underlying condition. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal of damage to the body, chronic pain often becomes a condition in itself. This commonly impacts daily functioning. Pain management plans exist to help individuals navigate these long-term challenges by combining various treatments to improve function and reduce suffering. Here’s information on alternative therapy options that can be included in pain management plans:
What Are Alternative Therapies?
Alternative therapies refer to medical products and practices that are not part of standard care, like prescriptions or surgery. When used alongside standard medical care, they are often referred to as complementary medicine. Many people seek complementary treatment options to manage their chronic pain effectively.
How Can Acupuncture Help Chronic Pain?
Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Practitioners believe that this process stimulates the central nervous system, which in turn releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and mental well-being. While experiences vary, many individuals incorporate acupuncture into their routine to manage conditions like:
- Back and Neck Pain
- General Muscle Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Headaches
- Sports Injuries
What Is Electroacupuncture?
Electroacupuncture is a modified form of acupuncture where a small electric current is passed through acupuncture needles. This method opens up acupunctural points more quickly and activates your sympathetic nerve fibers. This triggers the release of opioids, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals, for pain and inflammation reduction.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists and other trained healthcare practitioners to treat pain and movement impairments. It is distinct from acupuncture, as it is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles rather than traditional Chinese medicine concepts of energy flow. This technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle.
Dry needling therapy targets trigger points, which are taut bands of skeletal muscle located within a larger muscle group. Trigger points can be tender to the touch, and touching one may cause pain in other parts of the body. The primary goal of dry needling is to release tight trigger points to relieve pain or improve range of motion.
What Is Frequency Therapy?
Frequency therapy encompasses a range of treatments that use electromagnetic waves to influence the body’s cellular function. The underlying premise is that every cell and tissue in the body has a unique electromagnetic frequency, and disrupting or restoring these frequencies may impact health. Frequency therapy options try to stimulate cellular functioning by using low-level electrical currents. Here are two kinds of this therapy:
- Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM): FSM uses the resonance effects of frequencies on tissues. The electrical current is extremely low, often below the threshold of sensation, and mimics the bioelectric currents naturally produced by the body. Proponents suggest that FSM can reduce inflammation and repair tissue by promoting cellular activity.
- Terahertz Therapy: This therapy utilizes electromagnetic waves that can penetrate deeply into biological tissues. The application of terahertz waves aims to resonate with the body’s cellular frequencies, potentially aiding in pain relief and tissue regeneration.
Learn More About Chronic Pain Management
Managing chronic pain is a multifaceted process that often requires patience and a willingness to explore different modalities. While alternative therapies offer promising avenues for relief, they are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive pain management plan overseen by qualified healthcare professionals. Consult with your doctor to determine which therapies are appropriate for your specific condition and medical history.