Pain Rehabilitation Center in Minnesota

Physical Therapy

Strength training helps make tasks easier to accomplish, despite chronic pain.

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A physical therapist demonstrates stretching exercises.

Physical therapists instruct patients in strengthening, stretching and aerobic conditioning. Therapists also educate patients about proper body mechanics, lifting techniques, proper posture, benefits of aerobic exercise and pain behaviors.

During the three-week program, patients do range-of-motion exercises each morning. Later in the day, patients participate in physical therapy for strength training, stretches and aerobic conditioning. The hour-long sessions begin with weights at levels tolerable to the patient, and gradually work up to specific goals for increased function. As a person becomes stronger and learns to move the body more efficiently, daily tasks become easier and the person can do more, despite pain.