However, when working with patients with persistent pain, the role of the therapist is somewhat different in that they need to educate the patients on their thoughts and feelings as they relate to pain, thus helping them better understand how to influence their experience with pain.
Persistent pain not necessarily related to any kind of physical injury as sensitivity of a person’s nervous system can contribute to a chronic pain condition. Think of it in terms of a fire alarm that goes off in a building. The cause of that alarm does not necessarily have to be a fire, just a sensitive wire triggered by overly warm temperatures. For many people with persistent pain, alarms are going off constantly without any fire.
When faced with such a dilemma, the goal for a physical therapist is to teach their patient how to rewire or “re-learn” their brain. Breathing exercises and body awareness movements are several ways to accomplish this rewiring helping patients overcome stressors that result in pain.
While physical therapy is just one aspect of Moorings Park’s rehabilitation programs, the renowned Life Plan community also offers the service of occupational and speech therapists to its residents and members, as well as those who reside in the greater Naples area.
Therapists help patients regain optimal physical, communicative and functional abilities, reduce complications associated with immobility, and support and educate the patient, family and caregiver about the disability, including adaptive equipment and coping methods.
Outpatient rehabilitation is available at both Moorings Park and Moorings Park at Grey Oaks, through the campus’ Center for Healthy Living. If you or a loved one is in need of Outpatient Rehabilitation, click here to learn more about our outpatient rehabilitation services.