Physical Therapy Provides Lasting Pain Relief
Posted on Fri, May 13, 2011 @ 11:09 AM
Life Without Pain is Possible – testimonial from Ami Rouse, Gladstone, MO
Having never broken a bone or had any serious injuries, I didn’t think physical therapy could benefit me; however, at an appointment with Dr. Rowe earlier this year, he observed stiffness in my neck and recommended I see (physical therapist) Dr. Kelli Wong. Skeptical due to “relief” involving prescription pain pills and regular chiropractor visits other physicians recommended, I made an appointment.
At my first appointment I was impressed. Dr. Wong explained that chiropractic care can be helpful in realigning joints, but isn’t necessarily effective for training your muscles to function properly.
Over the next several weeks, our visits consisted of a combination of massage and simple exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck. She also gave me some tips on simple changes to make at home. For example, did you know that when you sleep on your side, you should put the arm away from the bed on your side, rather than curled up to your chin (or cat, in my case)? It’s true! When you sleep with your arm curled, it causes the shoulder muscle to contract all night, and thus you wake up stiff and in pain.
After this and other, equally-as-helpful tips, I am now pain free. The best part is the pain has been gone for a number of weeks, which is something I haven’t experienced in more than ten years. Chiropractic care and prescription pain pills were great for a few hours or maybe even days, put physical therapy has eliminated the pain because the heart of the problem has been addressed (not masked).
I’m so appreciative to 1) Dr. Rowe for observing the stiffness in my neck, despite the fact that I was visiting him for a completely different reason; and 2) Dr. Wong for listening and addressing the heart of my pain and for giving me hope that life without pain is possible!