What causes the most day-to-day stress in many American adults’ lives? Some would cite medical bills and student loans as a source of constant anxiety. Others would say parenting and maintaining a happy family. While all of these are certainly true, there is one pervasive issue that makes all of these even harder to deal with — chronic pain. Constant neck pain, an aching back and stiff joints can make basic daily tasks a chore and even cause people to become depressed and despondent. You’ll be happy to know, however, that a physical therapist can help you and in fine form.
The last thing you need while dealing with life’s small and large struggles is chronic pain!
Are Physical Therapists Common?
You won’t have to look far to find a physical therapist. By the time 2022 arrives the Bureau Of Labor Statistics has projected a physical therapist employment growth of 36% or more. When every year sees half of American adults developing a musculoskeletal injury that lasts longer than three months, you can see why demand is only getting higher.
How Expensive Is Physical Therapy?
You’re probably wondering about the costs that are associated with getting your knee pain or chronic neck issues looked at. Putting off a check-up, however, can actually work against you. A recent study saw the total medical costs for lower back pain, specifically, being over $2,700 lower for those that received care earlier.
What’s The Most Common Form Of Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain can strike anywhere. Some forms, however, are far more common than others for issues relating to poor working conditions, age and genetic reasons. Knee pain is the second most common source of chronic in the United States, with lower and upper back pain leading the pack. Nearly 30 million Americans will suffer from lower back pain at any given time.
What Causes Neck, Back And Hip Pain?
Where has your chronic pain come from, anyway? Knee pain is frequently caused by sports injuries, though it can also be exacerbated due to age. The National Center For Health Statistics have reported well over five million sports related injuries occurring every year. Neck and upper-back pain is often caused by poor posture and mediocre working conditions, while lower-back pain can be influenced by lifting heavy objects and age.
What About Arthritis?
Do you feel stiffness in your wrists and fingers when you type? How about lancing pains that shoot up your arms or ankles? You may have a form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, shortened to OA, is the most common form of arthritis in the United States. It’s also known as the ‘wear and tear’ arthritis for the micro-tears that crop up deep within the tissue, causing major pain in the knee, hand or hip.
How Does Physical Therapy Work?
When you’re tired of the additional stress tacked onto your already stressful week, it’s time to look into your options. Whether you have a knee that gets swollen at the drop of a hat or hips that ache whenever you move heavy objects, there’s a physical therapist available to help you. A combination of heat treatment, stretching and even surgery can see your pain being reduced and your life put back in your own hands once more. If you live on the West coast, consider Bellevue physical therapy or Lake Sammamish physical therapy. You’ll be glad you did.
