As physical therapists, we frequently work with individuals experiencing pain for various reasons. While discomfort and pain are normal aspects of life and can even serve as protective signals, such as advising us to stop walking on an injured foot or prompting us to move after sitting too long, there comes a point where pain begins to interfere with function and quality of life. Addressing pain at this stage is essential. Pain is often associated with an identifiable cause, like a fracture or a recent surgery. As the body heals, we anticipate a decrease in pain, allowing a return to normal activities. However, complications arise when pain persists long after the initial injury has healed or when its intensity far exceeds what is typically expected. In such cases, imaging and tests may not reveal an obvious cause, leaving both providers and patients at a loss for effective treatment options, which can lead to frustration, fear of movement and avoidance of activities that once brought joy, ultimately reducing quality of life.
Fortunately, the medical community is gaining a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms behind pain and the multitude of factors that influence its intensity. Pain is not only driven by tissue damage but is also shaped by previous experiences, the context in which an injury occurs, such as the difference between sustaining a knee injury during a game-winning play versus a traumatic car accident, and broader influences like systemic inflammation, mental and emotional health, job satisfaction and the availability of family or social support. While these factors may not significantly impact everyone, it is important to acknowledge that one in four people globally suffer from chronic pain – pain lasting three months or longer – indicating that our traditional approaches have fallen short and necessitating the exploration of new factors and treatments.
At University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Eaton and University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Charlotte Rehabilitation at AL!VE, we are committed to helping community members who have struggled with chronic pain, including those who have seen multiple providers and have yet to find relief. Our approach is holistic, addressing the whole person through a multidisciplinary team of specialists consisting of occupational therapy, physical therapy, dietetics, behavioral health therapy, osteopathic neuromuscular manipulative medicine and pain management. Our goal is to empower patients through education, collaborative goal setting and the provision of tools designed to break the cycle of chronic pain and enhance quality of life.
If you have been dealing with chronic pain, speak with your primary care provider for a referral to our clinical services.
Kelsey Wright, PT, DPT
Jeff Duncan, PT, DPT, OCS
