What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is generally defined as intermittent or persistent pain for three months or more. Studies have shown that nearly 30% of the population in Hong Kong have chronic pain problem.
Causes
Besides joint degeneration, another cause of chronic pain is a lack of exercise resulting in insufficient muscle strength and flexibility. Prolonged sitting or standing, sedentary or light activities such as using mobile phone or mouse of computer with incorrect posture or repetitive movement may also induce pain. Some people feel neuropathic pain due to reasons ranging from nerve pressure, nerve inflammation or diabetes.
Symptoms
The most common types of pain for the Hong Kong population are joint pain, neck or back pain, musculoskeletal pain and neuralgia.
Intervention
Medication alone is usually unable to eliminate pain. To solve the problem, the cause must be identified first, then suitable professional devices and manual therapy applied to relieve pain and improve posture to prevent injuries. Some of the commonly used physiotherapy treatments for chronic pain include:
Manual Therapy
- Myofascial Release
- Spinal Manipulation
Effective for musculotendinous injury/degeneration and fibromyalgia.
Interferential Therapy
Effective for promoting deeper tissue healing, reducing pain, inflammation & edema.
Ultrasonic Therapy
Effective for breaking down adhesions & scar tissues, promoting local blood flow and soft tissue healing.
Electromagnetic Field Stimulation
Effective for relaxing tight muscles, releasing joint blockage, enhancing fracture healing, improving blood circulation and fast pain relief.
Shock Wave Therapy
Effective for pro-inflammatory analgesia, accelerating tissue repair and cell growth, stimulating capillary formation and dissolving calcified tissues.
Electro-acupuncture
Effective for pain relief, muscle relaxation and improving local blood flow.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Effective for correcting abnormal movement patterns and postures, strengthening the muscle to keep the good postures and endurance.
