What are the tips for managing musculoskeletal pain?
- Exercise
- Try ice or hot compress
- Reduce stress levels
- Get enough rest
- Go for physical or occupational therapy
Musculoskeletal pain refers to the pain that affects the muscles, ligaments and tendons, and bones. The causes and types of it are varied. It can be due to a hectic lifestyle accompanied by too many activities, physical traumas, strains, or changes in body posture. People with this potentially chronic condition may find themselves unable to perform even the most basic tasks. So, it would be best to know about the tips for managing musculoskeletal pain. There are Las Pinas doctors that offer to treat this condition. Continue reading on to learn more about these.
Exercise
It may seem unusual to do more physical activities. However, exercise is a good way to manage musculoskeletal pain. It can improve a range of motion, promote better blood circulation to muscles, and reduce soreness. To add to that, endorphins are released when exercising as well. This acts as a brain receptor to reduce the perception of pain.
For injuries or pain related to overexertion, it might be recommended to rest the affected body part until it is completely healed. Otherwise, exercises such as stretching under the direction of a physical therapist are ideal. This is especially helpful with managing musculoskeletal pain as it restores muscle strength to the body part affected.
Try Ice or Hot Compress
Ice and heat compress are both good options for soothing musculoskeletal pain.
Ice compress is commonly applied directly to the body to relieve muscle swelling through numbing. Leave one in place of the body part affected for a few minutes. Alternatively, heat compress alleviates stiff and tense muscles and is effective for aches that are initial.
Reduce Stress Levels
High levels of stress can be associated with musculoskeletal pain as well. Consider meditation to help reduce the tension present in your muscles. Instead of focusing on the pain, meditation offers to alleviate the discomfort by redirecting the mind towards calmness. The distraction can help regularize your heart rate and hence, reduce stress levels.
Get Enough Rest
Getting enough rest may seem impossible, especially if you have a hectic lifestyle. However, remember that this avoids exhaustion.
Frequently-interrupted rest or not getting not any rest tends to make the muscles, ligaments, and tendons feel heavy and achy. This very same notion affects the body’s ability to repair cells and tissues. Without enough time to recuperate, patients may find the pain persisting frequently. Get enough rest or sleep for at least 7 hours every day. Combine this with stretching exercises. Here are some other tips you can do to rest and sleep better:
Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine in the evening
Do not eat 2 to 3 hours before sleeping
Take a warm shower
Go For Physical or Occupational Therapy
If your symptoms persist or are severe, it is recommended to consult a medical professional and go for physical or occupational therapy. Physical therapists are licensed and trained not only in treating musculoskeletal pain, but also in identifying the source. They will conduct various diagnostic procedures that may include X-rays, blood tests, CT scans, and MRIs, to know the physical extent of the pain and source.
People suffering from musculoskeletal pain must keep in mind that the first step to getting the best treatment is knowing the core cause. This will depend on whether you are experiencing muscle, ligament, tendon, joint, or bone pain.
A combination of pain relief and physical therapy methods will be used to treat patient injuries, pains, and disorders that impair body functions. It will help restore your range of motion and strengthen your body for tasks that are otherwise challenging with musculoskeletal pain.
At Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Pinas, we have the ALTA Integrative Medicine and Wellness Center. As the first of its kind to have Integrative Medicine in a tertiary hospital set up in the Philippines, patients are offered a revolutionizing and comprehensive range of services such as Medical Fitness (Musculoskeletal Pain, Functional Musculoskeletal Assessment, Age Management, and Lifestyle Modification, Erectile Dysfunction).
Key Takeaway
Musculoskeletal pain is a condition that can affect anyone. This may happen due to a wide range of causes. For this reason, we have rounded some of the tips for managing musculoskeletal pain.
If you want to consult with a medical expert, do not hesitate to contact Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Pinas by clicking here or calling (+632) 8874-ALTA | (+632) 8874-8515. For those who will book an appointment, our branch is located in Alabang-Zapote Rd., Pamplona III, Las Pinas City, Philippines 1740.
By bringing together a team of physical therapists, we can offer a seamless, efficient process of diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
