Overview

Have you been in pain for quite some time and are ready to get back to feeling better? An integrative approach with us might just be what you need for overall wellness. Here’s what you should know about integrative therapies for chronic pain care.

What is Chronic Pain Care?

Symptoms of pain in the body can be experienced in one of two ways: acute pain, which occurs as a direct result of injury or trauma to the body chronic pain, which is ongoing and can last in some patients for years on end Chronic pain can be caused due to an ongoing illness such as arthritis, cancer, or neuropathy, or it can be the last remaining symptom of a healed injury—typically lasting for more than six consecutive months.

What are Integrative Therapies for Chronic Pain Care?

Chronic pain care can involve the use of medications, injections, and implantable devices. But for those patients looking for non-invasive and non-narcotic treatment options, integrative medicine therapies such as biofeedback, cognitive behavior therapy, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, and mind-body therapies are better options.

Your chronic pain care treatment plan can include one or several different concurrent forms of integrative medicine such as:

• dietary supplements
• acupuncture
• osteopathic manipulation
• massage therapy
• yoga
• CBT
• mind-body therapies
• hypnosis

What Are the Benefits of Integrative Treatments for Chronic Pain Care?

There are multiple benefits to utilizing functional and integrative medicine to manage chronic pain symptoms. As we’ve already mentioned, conventional forms of chronic pain care involve the use of narcotic medications, injections, and can be invasive in nature. Functional therapies, however, are just the opposite.

Practitioners of integrative medicine take a holistic approach to their patients and take into consideration your mind and body needs, as well as how your lifestyle and environment can all play a role in chronic pain. As an individualized form of care, treatment will differ from one patient to the next, and as a result, the practitioner needs to be heavily involved in patient care to understand their needs and effectively manage their chronic pain symptoms.

What to Expect During an Integrative Chronic Pain Care Session

If you’ve never had an integrative chronic pain care session before, you might be wondering what to expect during your first appointment. A certified practitioner at Chris Strickland will begin by asking about your complete health history, including symptoms of pain and current mental health status.

Your integrative treatment plan will depend on your symptoms and also take into consideration your current lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors that may play a role in the worsening of symptoms. While most patients find relief after just a few sessions of integrative medicine, others opt to continue their treatment plans to maintain their overall wellness levels and further enhance their quality of life.

For more information about integrative therapies for chronic pain care, contact Chris Strickland at (706) 769-9779.