When it comes to managing chronic joint pain, many people turn to physical therapy as their first option. While physical therapy can be helpful for some, it isn’t always the right choice for everyone. At Michigan Integrative Health, we specialize in drug-free, non-surgical treatments for chronic pain, and we believe it’s important to explore all your options. Our medical team, which includes skilled Nurse Practitioners and an experienced Medical Doctor, is ready to address the root causes of your pain using regenerative medicine. Here’s why physical therapy might not be the best approach for chronic joint pain and what alternatives are available.
Physical Therapy Can Worsen Symptoms in Certain Cases
For individuals with advanced arthritis or significant joint degeneration, physical therapy can sometimes exacerbate pain. This is especially true for patients with bone-on-bone conditions, as repetitive movements and exercises can place undue stress on already compromised joints. This raises the question: Can physical therapy make arthritis worse? Unfortunately, for some patients, the answer might be yes. We do not recommend a person participate in physical therapy when undergoing our services or even shortly after.
Lack of Immediate Results
Chronic joint pain often requires a multi-faceted approach to see meaningful improvement. Physical therapy relies heavily on gradual progress, which can be frustrating for individuals looking for faster relief. For patients whose pain stems from inflammation or tissue damage, other treatments may offer more immediate results.
Not Addressing Underlying Causes
Physical therapy focuses on strengthening muscles and improving mobility. While these goals are important, they might not address the root causes of chronic joint pain, such as joint instability, inflammation, or tissue degeneration. At Michigan Integrative Health, we evaluate each patient to determine the exact cause of their pain and offer targeted solutions.
Exploring Physical Therapy Alternatives
If physical therapy hasn’t worked for you or has made your symptoms worse, there are effective alternatives worth considering:
- Regenerative Medicine: For the right candidates, our natural biologic products promote healing and repair damaged tissues without the need for surgery.
- Joint Stability: We focus on your muscles without relying on repetitive exercises. Applying specific pressure to a muscle under a specific level of tension will often allow for a muscle to function in a stronger, more coordinated manner, with observable increased motion and less pain.
Contact Michigan Integrative Health for PT Alternatives
If you’re struggling with chronic joint pain and haven’t found relief through physical therapy, it might be time to explore other options. Contact Michigan Integrative Health today at 586-726-9860 to schedule a consultation and learn if you are a candidate for care. We are located on the border of Shelby Township and Rochester. We serve the Detroit Metro area as well as Ontario, Canada and northern Ohio.
