Managing Chronic Pain Through Physiotherapy In Oxford Circus

Chronic pain, whether from arthritis, tendinopathy or muscle dysfunction, can be effectively managed through physiotherapy in our Oxford Circus clinic. Advanced treatments like shockwave and laser therapy, manual mobilisations, and customised exercise plans address both symptoms and root causes. With a focus on holistic recovery, our physios aim to improve function, reduce discomfort and enhance quality of life, without the need for medication or invasive procedures.

Chronic pain is a condition that affects millions, significantly impacting quality of life. In busy areas like Oxford Circus, physical strain and the demands of living in the city can exacerbate these issues. Fortunately, physiotherapy offers a variety of effective treatments that can help manage chronic pain, including shockwave therapy, laser therapy, manual therapy, and exercise prescription. These treatments aim to reduce discomfort, improve movement, and enhance overall well-being.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting for more than three months and often results from injuries, medical conditions, or musculoskeletal disorders. Conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia are common examples. Chronic pain can limit mobility, reduce quality of life, and lead to mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety.

While traditional treatments like medications or surgery are often used, physiotherapy provides a holistic approach to managing chronic pain, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes. Techniques like shockwave therapy, laser therapy, manual therapy, and exercise prescription are popular options in physiotherapy clinics, including those in Oxford Circus.

Shockwave Therapy: Stimulating Healing:

Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), uses high-energy sound waves to treat chronic pain, especially from conditions like tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff injuries. The shockwaves stimulate blood circulation, promote tissue regeneration, and help break down calcium deposits in tendons. This leads to pain relief and improved mobility.

Research shows that shockwave therapy can be highly effective. Rompe et al. (2009) found it provided relief for patients with chronic tendinopathy (1). Similarly, Wang et al. (2002) showed its positive impact on calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy (2). Sessions are quick (20-30 minutes) and typically involve minimal discomfort, with multiple treatments required for maximum benefit.

Laser Therapy: Using Light for Pain Relief:

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses light at specific wavelengths to promote healing and reduce inflammation. The laser light penetrates deep into tissues, increasing blood flow, accelerating healing, and reducing pain. This therapy is particularly effective for musculoskeletal pain, including osteoarthritis and tendinopathy.

Studies show that laser therapy reduces pain and improves function. A study by Lopes-Martins et al. (2010) demonstrated its effectiveness for musculoskeletal pain (3). Laser therapy is non-invasive, with sessions lasting about 5-15 minutes. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and it can be used alone or alongside other treatments.

Manual Therapy: Hands-On Pain Relief:

Manual therapy includes a variety of hands-on techniques that physiotherapists use to manipulate joints and soft tissues. This can help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and relieve muscle tension. Techniques such as joint mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue massage are commonly used to treat chronic conditions like neck and back pain, joint stiffness, and muscle strain.

Manual therapy is often combined with other treatments for better results. A review by Hohmann et al. (2013) concluded that spinal manipulation was effective for chronic low back pain (5). Similarly, Brennan et al. (2014) found manual therapy improved pain and function in hip and knee osteoarthritis patients (6).

Exercise Prescription: Strengthening the Body:

Exercise prescription is a fundamental aspect of physiotherapy, especially for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. It involves designing personalized exercise programs that improve strength, flexibility, and endurance. Regular exercise can reduce pain by strengthening muscles, improving joint stability, and preventing further injuries.

Studies show that exercise is highly effective for managing chronic pain. A study by Geneen et al. (2017) highlighted its positive impact on conditions like osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain (7). Exercise not only alleviates pain but also improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. Physiotherapists tailor exercise programs to each patient’s specific needs, ensuring the exercises are both safe and effective.

Benefits of Physiotherapy at Fit2Function in Oxford Circus:

Our physiotherapy clinic in Oxford Circus offers access to advanced treatments like shockwave therapy, laser therapy, manual therapy, and exercise prescription, providing effective solutions for managing chronic pain. We specialise in pain management and create customized treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient.

One of the key benefits of Fit2Function is our holistic approach. Rather than merely masking pain with medication we aim to achieve your short and long-term goals by improving mobility, restore function, and prevent future injuries. By using a combination of therapies, physiotherapists can address both the pain and its underlying causes, leading to better long-term outcomes.

Conclusion:

Chronic pain can be debilitating, but physiotherapy offers a range of effective treatments that provide relief, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. Shockwave therapy, laser therapy, manual therapy, and exercise prescription are all valuable tools in the management of chronic pain. In Oxford Circus, our clinic offers these innovative therapies to help patients take control of their pain and begin the journey toward recovery.

Whether you’re dealing with tendon injuries, joint pain, or muscle strain, Fit2Function offers a personalised, non-invasive approach to managing chronic pain that can make a significant difference in your life.

George Block 

BSc Sports Rehabilitation 

GEORGE BLOCK

References:

1. Rompe JD, Furia JP, Maffulli N. Shock wave therapy for chronic tendinopathy. Br Med Bull. 2009; 89(1): 1-18.
2. Wang CJ, Wang FS, Li LC, et al. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the management of calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2002; 84(2): 89-94.
3. Lopes-Martins RA, de Lima L, da Silva GS, et al. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Photomed Laser Surg. 2010; 28(5): 523-530.
4. Bjordal JM, Johnson MI, Iversen V, et al. Low level laser therapy in acute pain: a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis of 54 trials. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006; 6(1): 1-9.
5. Hohmann E, Gagnon D, Hasenbring M, et al. Spinal manipulation and its effect on chronic low back pain: a systematic review. Clin J Pain. 2013; 29(5): 464-474.
6. Brennan GP, Hestbaek L, Hancock MJ, et al. Manual therapy for hip and knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014; 44(9): 651-657.
7. Geneen LJ, Moore RA, Trinder P, et al. Exercise for chronic pain in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017; 3: CD011053.