Physical Therapy and Pain Management

Physical therapy intervention dates to the ancient Greeks, ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Romans, who used heat, sunlight, electric eels, massage therapy, and manipulation. Physical therapy today utilizes physical agents including modalities such as heat or cold, electricity, light, magnets, ultrasound, traction, manual therapies such as manipulation or mobilization, and therapeutic exercises. Pain management is always a team approach and coordination among medical doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, psychologists, pharmacists, and other health care practitioners is of primary importance for the patient to reach an optimal level of function with adequate pain resolution or control.