ACUTE VS CHRONIC PAIN…

What’s the Difference?

We all experience pain at some point in our lives.  Pain is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong.  Pain occurs when something hurts, causing discomfort.

Acute Pain

Acute pain comes on suddenly and is usually caused by something specific; In most cases, acute pain does not last longer than six months. Acute pain is usually severe and sharp in quality. With acute pain, once the underlying cause has been treated or healed, the pain usually disappears.

Some examples of acute pain

• Broken bone

• Pulled or Strained Muscle

• Ankle Sprain

• Burns or Cuts

• Dental Surgery

• Post Surgical Pain

• Childbirth and Labor

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is typically pain that is constant and lasts longer than 6 months. The experience of chronic pain is associated with activity in multiple networks in the central nervous system. Chronic pain can also be considered a CNS Disorder. Chronic pain can last for weeks, months, or years.

Some examples of chronic pain

• Arthritis, Joint Pain

• Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Headaches

• Muscle Pain all Over (Such as With Fibromyalgia) 

• Cancer

• Lasting Pain in Scar Tissue

Chronic pain stress on the body can produce physical conditions such as; tense muscles, lack of energy, changes in appetite, and limited ability to move around.  Also along with these physical conditions, there can be emotional effects.  This can include; depression, anger, anxiety, and fear.

How Our Physiotherapists Can Help Your Pain?..

Physiotherapists are specialists in human movement, with the goal to help you move well and keep you active. Physiotherapy is commonly used to treat and manage pain, both acute and chronic to improve the overall quality of life. Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques to help treat pain, such as manual therapy, movement and exercises, acupuncture, and dry needling.

Written by: Lindsay Atwell. Clinical Care Coordinator

My.clevelandclinic.org

www.webmd.com

Integrative Physiotherapy, Empowering Patients with Personalized Care.

Integrative Physiotherapy is a Barrie-based clinic that believes in a one-on-one patient-centered, manual therapy (hands-on) approach to physiotherapy. We aim to empower our patients by providing quality care that is personalized to each patient in an interactive and friendly manner. Through the use of the best available treatment techniques, we aim to provide exceptional care so that each patient feels engaged and motivated.

Our therapists are continually upgrading their skills and taking time to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment techniques that are always one on one without the use of assistants or double booking patients to make sure that you achieve your functional and sports goals as soon as possible.  

Our therapists would be happy to help you to achieve your goals, get in touch to schedule your appointment.  Don’t let pain ruin your day!