Physical
Therapy for Leg Pain in Monmouth County
Depending
on the cause of leg pain, physical therapy can be an extremely
useful treatment option. There are two main goals of physical
therapy for leg pain: to reduce
pain while increasing mobility and range of motion. Physical therapy
can also help patients regain or build strength in order to reduce
the chance of future injury.
Some
of the most common causes of leg pain are as follows:
•
Nerve Irritation/Sciatica:
In some cases, leg pain may result from problems with the muscles,
tendons or ligaments that create pressure on the nerves that
lead to the legs. For example, sciatica results from the compression,
irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which runs
from the lower back down to the legs.
•
Trauma: Muscle strains and tears as well as tendonitis
and other injuries can cause leg pain.
•
Arthritis: Arthritis causes
pain and inflammation in the joints of the body. Whether the leg
is at rest or in active use, pain may be experienced depending
on the type of arthritis from which a patient is suffering. For
example, degenerative arthritis can cause pain while the body
is in motion, which rheumatoid arthritis can be painful even when
at rest.
Physical
Therapy for Leg Pain
The
first step in treating leg pain is to determine the exact cause
of the problem. At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation, we
complete a full examination with the inclusion of a number of
diagnostic tools, including Electrodiagnostic
Nerve Testing, Fluoroscopy, and traditional x-ray.
Most
causes of leg pain can be treated with a conservative, drug-free,
and healthy approach. Physical therapy is an important part of
this type of care. The various physical therapy modalities that
may be used to treat the disorders that cause leg pain may include
any of the following:
Exercise:
When leg pain is experienced, exercise can be a useful tool in
helping restore flexibility, stability, and range of motion. Exercises
vary from patient to patient (depending on factors such as age
and medical history) and should only be attempted under the guidance
of a physical therapist.
Hot
and Cold Therapy: Cold therapy works by slowing circulation,
which may reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. Used alternately,
heat increases circulation in order to speed healing by enhancing
the flow of oxygen and other nutrients to the site of injury or
pain.
Electrotherapy:
This technique assists with tissue repair and can help improve mobility
in patients with leg pain. In particular, it is used to reduce pain
and inflammation, and to address muscle spasms and weakness.
Traction:
Spinal Decompression Traction
removes the pressure on nerves that may be the cause of leg pain.
This is particularly helpful for patients suffering from nerve-related
leg pain such as those with sciatica.
Low
Level Laser Therapy: Also known as Cold Laser Therapy, this
treatment speeds up the healing process at the cellular level. It
can also help boost circulation and prevent the formation of scar
tissue.
Physical
Therapy for Leg Pain at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation
If
you are suffering from leg pain for any reason (or you are unsure
of the cause of your pain), contact our Red
Bank, NJ office today to learn more about physical therapy and
pain management for leg pain in Monmouth County. Our office also
offers non-surgical medical care, acupuncture, and chiropractic
care for leg pain.
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