Chronic pain success stories - Please share

[Anonymous]

I had sciatica, which PTs, my chiropractor, and regular doctor all thought would have to be "managed." I started a new form of exercise that incorporates pilates and mobility work, and I haven't had a problem since.

[Anonymous]

My young adult daughter (she was 17-18) saw a pain-focused psychologist in the DC area, did PT focused on desensitization, alternated between PT land therapy and aqua therapy, did dry needling and continues to see her psychologist and accupunturist regularly for booster sessions.

[Anonymous]

My pain was due to weakness within stabilizing muscles. My primary muscle groups were relatively strong, but I was hyper mobile in my joints. I was referred to a PT practice that offered Pilates-based rehab. While I had failed traditional PT a half dozen times, Pilates finally helped. It kicked off a virtuous cycle where the exercise helped my mood, sleep, and pain, so I was able to exercise more and get mobility back.

I also had some success with meds, but I had to try a lot. Most of the ones for chronic pain are antidepressants that are either being used off label or have an additional FDA approval for chronic pain. I never found a magic bullet that “solved” the pain, but I did find meds that reduced the severity, frequency, or duration. For me, cannabis was the most effective at eliminating pain altogether, but I didn’t want to feel intoxicated most of the time, so I reserved it for severe episodes only.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My pain was due to weakness within stabilizing muscles. My primary muscle groups were relatively strong, but I was hyper mobile in my joints. I was referred to a PT practice that offered Pilates-based rehab. While I had failed traditional PT a half dozen times, Pilates finally helped. It kicked off a virtuous cycle where the exercise helped my mood, sleep, and pain, so I was able to exercise more and get mobility back.

I also had some success with meds, but I had to try a lot. Most of the ones for chronic pain are antidepressants that are either being used off label or have an additional FDA approval for chronic pain. I never found a magic bullet that “solved” the pain, but I did find meds that reduced the severity, frequency, or duration. For me, cannabis was the most effective at eliminating pain altogether, but I didn’t want to feel intoxicated most of the time, so I reserved it for severe episodes only.

Can you share your PT practice?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My pain was due to weakness within stabilizing muscles. My primary muscle groups were relatively strong, but I was hyper mobile in my joints. I was referred to a PT practice that offered Pilates-based rehab. While I had failed traditional PT a half dozen times, Pilates finally helped. It kicked off a virtuous cycle where the exercise helped my mood, sleep, and pain, so I was able to exercise more and get mobility back.

I also had some success with meds, but I had to try a lot. Most of the ones for chronic pain are antidepressants that are either being used off label or have an additional FDA approval for chronic pain. I never found a magic bullet that “solved” the pain, but I did find meds that reduced the severity, frequency, or duration. For me, cannabis was the most effective at eliminating pain altogether, but I didn’t want to feel intoxicated most of the time, so I reserved it for severe episodes only.

Can you share your PT practice?

Restore Motion in North Bethesda. IMO, Reshma is a particularly effective therapist there.

[Anonymous]

A patient in my specialist's practice started a free support group for people who were partially or fully disabled. With the practice's permission, she posted a sign with her email in the exam rooms. She only ended up connecting with three patients, but it became a tight-knit and supportive group that would meet once weekly for lunch. I mention that because such groups can be a great way to find out what works for other patients and get connected to helpful medical providers.

[Anonymous]

Any update?

[Anonymous]

Dry needling is amazing.

[Anonymous]

Stretching and PT helped with sciatica and knee/hip pain.

Losing weight helped with joint pain — not only did my knees and hip joint ache, but so did my toes/fingers, and elbows. Obesity increases inflammation in the body, which can cause joint pain; losing weight helped reduce that (I used WL drugs to lose the weight). FWIW, I was dieting and exercising prior to the weight loss, so it’s not like I wasn’t trying. Once I dropped down to a “normal” weight, the pain went away.

[Anonymous]

my husband has chronic back pain for an injury. He has tried surgery, PT, meds, massage, surgery with someone else, etc... Pilates and acupuncture have been the most helpful and taking Cymbalta and Ritalin has helped more with the pain than pain medicine.

[Anonymous]

I'm taking low dose naltrexone, and it's helping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry OP. The “It’s all in your head” folks have found the thread. Do these people have nothing else to occupy their time besides chiming in and spreading misery?

+ 1

[Anonymous]

Pelvic pain from botched c section . My internal scar tissue is massive.

PT
Core strengthing

Medical Pot

[Anonymous]

I have pain from a 10 hour brain surgery, a large craniotomy that took place nearly a year ago. I have to take pain killers every day, but what helps is not getting overly tired (go to bed when you need to even if its 8pm), regular exercise and eating well. Avoiding massively stressful situations also helps, not avoiding them triggers more pain.

[Anonymous]

Good info