There are alternatives to pain that does not involve surgery or medication. At one time, alternative pain therapy was scoffed at by the mainstream medical profession but that has changed. Alternative pain therapy has become a viable and sought out alternative to drugs and even surgery. There are a wide range of alternatives like physical therapy, acupuncture, stress-reduction techniques, and music therapy. The most widely practiced alternative therapy is physical therapy.
Several thousands of years ago, it was a common practice in the Greek culture to use exercise, massage, heat, and cold to treat body aches and pain. This was the birth place of physical therapy. By the 20th Century, physical therapy became the first path to pain treatment without the use of drugs. Physical therapy usually includes exercises like stretching, weight lifting and walking. A therapist often teaches a patient exercises that can be done at home. A therapist will perform manual therapy with hands, devices, or machines. The goal of manual therapy is to increase relaxation, decreased pain, and improve mobility. Techniques such as heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and swimming are often used by a therapist. At first, physical therapy may cause mild soreness or swelling but this is normal. As the body adjusts to the therapy, the symptoms will usually disappear. If not, consult with the therapist.
Another ancient medical procedure is acupuncture. It is a traditional part of Chinese medicine that is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. It involves the penetration of the skin with needles to stimulate certain points of the body. The needles are inserted at different depths into the skin. It is believed the pricking of the needles release pain-numbing chemicals that block the pain signals in the nerves and the brain. There is ample evidence to support the success of acupuncture.
Stress-reduction therapy involves meditation, music therapy, and massage.
Meditation is a simple, quick method to reduce stress and along with it pain. There are several types of popular meditations: guided meditation, mantra meditation, and Tai chi. Guided meditation uses thought processes to induce relaxation, like the image of an ocean. In a mantra meditation, a tranquil word or thought is repeated in the mind to prevent distracting thoughts in order for the body and mind to relax. Tai chi is the relaxing practice of a Chinese martial art. Body movements are performed in a leisurely manner while practicing deep breathing.
Music therapy is the use of music to promote healing while relieving stress and reducing pain. Music therapy can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. It involves music therapists to design a music session based on a patient's needs and tastes. Ancient Greek philosophers noticed music could heal the body and soul. North American Indians have used chanting and singing as part of their healing rituals for centuries. Music therapy can be easily utilized in the home to produce calming effects.
Several thousands of years ago, it was a common practice in the Greek culture to use exercise, massage, heat, and cold to treat body aches and pain. This was the birth place of physical therapy. By the 20th Century, physical therapy became the first path to pain treatment without the use of drugs. Physical therapy usually includes exercises like stretching, weight lifting and walking. A therapist often teaches a patient exercises that can be done at home. A therapist will perform manual therapy with hands, devices, or machines. The goal of manual therapy is to increase relaxation, decreased pain, and improve mobility. Techniques such as heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and swimming are often used by a therapist. At first, physical therapy may cause mild soreness or swelling but this is normal. As the body adjusts to the therapy, the symptoms will usually disappear. If not, consult with the therapist.
Another ancient medical procedure is acupuncture. It is a traditional part of Chinese medicine that is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. It involves the penetration of the skin with needles to stimulate certain points of the body. The needles are inserted at different depths into the skin. It is believed the pricking of the needles release pain-numbing chemicals that block the pain signals in the nerves and the brain. There is ample evidence to support the success of acupuncture.
Stress-reduction therapy involves meditation, music therapy, and massage.
Meditation is a simple, quick method to reduce stress and along with it pain. There are several types of popular meditations: guided meditation, mantra meditation, and Tai chi. Guided meditation uses thought processes to induce relaxation, like the image of an ocean. In a mantra meditation, a tranquil word or thought is repeated in the mind to prevent distracting thoughts in order for the body and mind to relax. Tai chi is the relaxing practice of a Chinese martial art. Body movements are performed in a leisurely manner while practicing deep breathing.
Music therapy is the use of music to promote healing while relieving stress and reducing pain. Music therapy can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. It involves music therapists to design a music session based on a patient's needs and tastes. Ancient Greek philosophers noticed music could heal the body and soul. North American Indians have used chanting and singing as part of their healing rituals for centuries. Music therapy can be easily utilized in the home to produce calming effects.