On Track Physiotherapy

Chronic Pain in Ann Arbor

Finding Relief from Chronic Pain in Ann Arbor

Living with chronic pain is exhausting. The constant discomfort, stiffness, and extreme sensitivity make even simple movements feel impossible some days. From the moment you wake up, it dictates nearly everything you do. The pain has become a central part of your life, and you just want to feel better again.

You’re not alone. Over 50 million Americans struggle with chronic pain, making it one of the most common reasons adults seek medical treatment each year. The good news is that research shows physical therapy can be incredibly effective at reducing pain and improving function for those living with chronic pain – often more so than pain medications alone.

At On Track Physiotherapy Physical Therapy in Ann Arbor, our experienced physical therapists specialize in empowering patients to better manage chronic pain through customized treatment plans. We understand the complex nature of chronic pain and provide comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects using proven techniques to reduce your symptoms.

Who Can Benefit from Specialized Chronic Pain Treatment in Ann Arbor

Our personalized approach to physical therapy for chronic pain relief attracts men and women of all ages hoping to regain their active lifestyles. Many are athletes or former athletes limited by nagging injuries and chronic joint or muscle pain. Others simply want to get back to enjoying their favorite hobbies pain-free.
We also successfully treat chronic pain stemming from:

  • Arthritis
  • Nerve damage
  • Tension headaches
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Previous injuries
  • Post-surgical pain

No matter the cause or severity of your pain, our skilled therapists leverage customized exercise, hands-on therapy, and self-care education to help you live better.

Comprehensive Relief Through Proven Physical Therapy Techniques

At its core, chronic pain negatively impacts your quality of life by limiting mobility and independence. Our treatments aim to rectify that. Through integrated techniques backed by research, our physical therapists help patients find meaningful relief from chronic pain symptoms:

Pain Management and Symptom Reduction
Using manual therapy, modalities like heat/ice application, and targeted exercises, we alleviate irritable tissues to effectively decrease pain and inflammation – providing fast relief without medications.

Improved Function and Mobility
Regaining flexibility, strength, balance, and range of motion through customized exercises tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This allows individuals to move with less pain and reduced effort.

Promoting Self-Management and Empowerment
We educate patients on pacing activities, relaxation methods, and other self-care techniques to better cope with flare-ups independently. This empowers individuals to take control of managing pain.

Preventing Future Issues and Promoting Fitness
Addressing muscular imbalances, posture problems, stiffness, and weakness through corrective exercises. This provides better support, decreases pain triggers, and reduces the risk of re-injury.
Benefits of Specialized Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain Relief:

  • Reduce or eliminate the need for pain medications
  • Resume daily activities with less difficulty
  • Regain independence to travel and engage in hobbies
  • Improve energy levels and stamina
  • Prevent future pain episodes through self-care
  • Achieve sustainable pain management over time

Our goal is to give you the tools to thrive again instead of just survive.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know living with constant discomfort leaves you with many questions about chronic pain treatment methods. Here we address some of the most common concerns:

What qualifies as chronic pain?
For pain to be considered chronic, it must persist for at least 3 months beyond the expected healing period for an injury or condition. This timeframe helps distinguish chronic pain from acute pain brought on suddenly by trauma or surgery.

Can chronic pain ever fully go away?
While the underlying condition causing chronic pain may not be curable, through dedicated treatment we often help patients achieve near complete relief from pain symptoms. By identifying and addressing contributing factors, we aim to effectively ‘turn down the volume’ of pain over the long run.

What are the 5 A’s of chronic pain treatment?
The 5 A’s represent a holistic framework for assessment and management:

  • Analgesia – Reduce pain sensation
  • Activity – Improve function/mobility
  • Adverse Mechanics – Correct posture/movement patterns
  • Anxiety/Depression – Support mental health
  • Aberrant Signals – Address neurological components

Our comprehensive evaluations and treatments cover all 5 areas.

What does living with chronic pain do to a person?
Chronic pain takes an immense physical and emotional toll. The constant discomfort and inflammation lead to reduced mobility, lack of sleep, low energy, and feelings of anxiety, sadness, or frustration. This cycle strains personal relationships and impacts work performance – preventing patients from fully participating in life. Our holistic treatments aim to break this disruptive pattern.

For more frequently asked questions, visit our website or give us a call at 734-972-6529. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer any questions and explain more about our highly customized approach to treating chronic pain through physical therapy.

Meet Your Pain Relief Team

Our close-knit team of board-certified specialists have years of advanced training and clinical experience applying the latest pain science to effective treatment plans for chronic pain patients just like you.

Dr. Greg Schaible, PT, DPT earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Findlay and specializes in strength & conditioning training and sports rehab. Through manual therapy, custom exercises, and patient education he strives to give every patient the tools to thrive again despite chronic pain.

Dr. Morgan Kennedy, PT, DPT brings experience crafting therapeutic interventions to decrease pain, improve mobility, and prevent future flare-ups. Her upbeat coaching motivates patients to stick to their home exercise programs for lasting results.

Our shared goal is to help you successfully manage chronic pain so you can get back to doing what you love pain-free!

Take Control of Your Pain – Schedule a Consultation

If chronic pain has you feeling limited, frustrated, or hopeless, contact On Track Physiotherapy Physical Therapy today at 734-972-6529 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and start building your customized roadmap to finding relief. Regain your quality of life again through proven physical therapy treatments tailored to your unique needs by our caring, highly-trained therapists.

About The Author

Imagine overcoming limitations and regaining your physical strength. Dr. Greg Schaible, a licensed Physical Therapist in Certified Strength & Conditioning and Sports Rehab, has helped countless individuals like you do just that. Practicing at On Track Physiotherapy in Ann Arbor, Dr. Greg Schaible believes in tailored care and utilizes innovative techniques to create unique solutions for each patient’s journey.

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Jennifer Lipinski

I highly recommend On Track Physiotherapy! Greg is very knowledgeable and an excellent problem solver. He listens attentively and provides individualized care. I greatly appreciated his patience at each session and that I never felt rushed. He took the time to explain exercises throughly and gave plenty of opportunity to practice. I always felt at ease and that I was in good care! Greg helped me resolve chronic neck and shoulder pain with a combination of exercises, breathing, dry needling, and soft tissue mobilization as well as further education in pain science. He definitely does not give up and is willing to think outside the box in order to help you achieve your goals. Also as I began to return to my full exercise and running routine, I experienced additional injury setbacks (knee, ankle, calf) but Greg was able to quickly problem-solve and get me back on track. I am forever grateful!!

Susan Montgomery

I started running in my 40s, ran a few 5k’s, then after a few years I couldn’t run more than a mile before I was in pain, and the side my knee hurt when going up and down hiking, I was feeling like an old lady at 54! I connected with Greg and he has been terrific! After a consultation, he assigned me simple but impactful exercises I can do at home. We meet about once a month to assess progress, and he gives me feedback on technique and adds new exercises. He is very encouraging, makes me feel heard, answers all my questions directly, gives me time to write down his answers, and I have his full attention for the whole ~45 minute session. When I had a setback he was very understanding and got me back on track. I can feel my leg muscles strengthening and am confident I’ll be back to running long distances soon. I recommend him highly!