Chronic pain, for lack of a better word, is a real pain. Much like the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back, it sneaks up on you with little aches and pains. Before you know it, you’ve become used to being sore, stiff and unhappy for weeks on end. You’ll be happy to know, however, that it’s not something you have to live with! Whether it’s hip pain that makes you sit strangely or neck pain that has you rolling your shoulders for a moment’s relief, physical therapy is proven to put a dent in your symptoms and get you back up to speed just like you used to.

The Physical Therapy Industry

Physical therapy is a booming industry. By 2022 the Bureau Of Labor Statistics projects that physical therapist employment, both general and specializing, will grow by more than 30%. When you think about it, it’s not all that surprising considering the prevalence of chronic pain in the United States. In fact, every year an estimated 50% of American adults project a musculoskeletal injury that lasts longer than three months. If your hip, neck or shoulder pain has gone on for weeks and weeks without end it’s time to see how a therapist can help.

Knee Pain

Starting off the list with the second most common source of chronic pain, knee pain is when you find your knees swelling or aching with little to no provocation. This injury is frequently caused by sports injuries or age, though it can also be influenced by other factors. The National Center For Health Statistics has reported well over five million sports-related injuries occur every year in the United States. Don’t let knee pain affect your ability to swim or jog. Contact a Burien physical therapist and set up an appointment.

Hip Pain

Do you find yourself struggling to lift objects? How about sitting comfortably? Hip pain is unique in that it directly affects many mundane actions, causing frustration for countless Americans who are just trying to get through their work week. According to the CDC (that’s the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention), hip pain affects 7% of American adults. Hip pain can be caused by age as well as complications in childbirth, manifesting as aching, stiffness and difficulties in mobility. Your hips, however, can be adjusted and improved with the aid of a licensed physical therapist.

Neck Pain

If you find yourself regularly rolling your neck or rubbing your shoulders, you could be dealing with the onset of chronic neck pain. Neck pain is often caused by poor posture over many years and complications from a past injury, with whiplash being the most frequent. Neck pain is characterized by burning, stiffness and pulling muscles more often than you normally would. Although heating pads and better back support can help with neck pain, applying for physical therapy will give you long-lasting results over a temporary easy fix.

How Physical Therapy Works

Physical therapy is proven to reduce your chronic pain symptoms and put your life back into your own hands again. Whether your neck is recovering from the aftermath of a car crash or have found your job causing lower back pain over time, a licensed professional will be able to address your pain and gradually, over the course of multiple weeks, return you to a better state. Through massaging, rotating, stretching and bracing you can tackle stiffness and start eliminating those frustrating aches and pains that put a damper on your week. Don’t get used to chronic pain. Nip it in the bud!