Understanding Acute and Chronic Pain

Understanding Acute and Chronic Pain

Understanding Acute and Chronic Pain

From a Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology Perspective 

Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, and understanding the different types of pain and how to manage them effectively is crucial to improving quality of life. Whether you’ve injured yourself during a workout, or you’re living with a chronic condition, knowing the difference between acute and chronic pain and how each should be managed can significantly affect your recovery and long-term health. Learn about acute and chronic pain, how they differ, and explore effective strategies from physiotherapy and exercise physiology to help manage each type. 

What is Acute Pain?

Acute pain is a short-term type of pain that usually occurs suddenly, often as a result of an injury, surgery, or illness. This kind of pain serves as a warning signal, alerting the body to potential harm. Acute pain is typically sharp, intense, and well-defined, usually improving or resolving within days or weeks once the underlying issue is treated or healed.

Common Causes of Acute Pain:

• Injuries: Sprains, strains, fractures, or tears (Ankle sprains)
• Post-Surgical Recovery: Pain following surgery, including joint replacement or soft tissue repair (ACL reconstruction)
• Infections or Illnesses: Conditions like appendicitis or infections that cause localized pain.
• Acute Inflammation: Acute inflammation in a joint or soft tissue from overuse or sudden trauma.

How to Manage Acute Pain with Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology:

1. Rest and Recovery: For acute injuries, it’s essential to rest and avoid further strain on the affected area. However, prolonged bed rest can lead to stiffness and weakness, so controlled movement should be encouraged as soon as it’s safe to prevent long-term consequences. 
2. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation: The R.I.C.E. protocol is a standard method used to manage acute injuries. Ice reduces swelling and numbs pain, while compression and elevation help minimize inflammation.
3. Pain Relief Techniques: Physiotherapists often use modalities like ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation (TENS), or heat therapy to reduce acute pain and promote tissue healing.
4. Gentle Mobilization: Once pain starts to subside, physiotherapists introduce gentle stretches and mobilization exercises to regain range of motion without overstressing the area.
5. Progressive Loading: As healing progresses, exercise physiologists may introduce low impact exercises to gently strengthen muscles and support the healing tissue without causing further damage.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is persistent pain that lasts beyond the typical healing time usually longer than three months. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal, chronic pain often persists without an obvious underlying injury and can be more complex. It’s frequently associated with long-term conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or persistent back pain. Chronic pain may fluctuate in intensity and often affects both physical and emotional well-being.

Common Causes of Chronic Pain:

• Degenerative Conditions: Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) leading to joint pain.
• Nerve Damage: Conditions like diabetic neuropathy or sciatica that cause ongoing nerve pain.
• Post-Surgical Pain: Pain that lingers even after surgery has healed.
• Fibromyalgia: A condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in muscles and soft tissues.

How to Manage Chronic Pain with Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology:

1. Exercise is the key treatment. One of the most effective ways to manage chronic pain is through regular, controlled exercise. While it may seem counterintuitive to move when you’re in pain, exercise has been shown to, reduce inflammation, release endorphins and strength muscles.
2. Recommendation of low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking for people with chronic pain, gradually increasing intensity to avoid flare-ups.
3. Targeted strengthening and stretching. A critical component of managing chronic pain, especially in the case of musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, is strengthening the muscles surrounding the painful area. Strengthening exercises can reduce stress on affected joints or tissues.
4. Stretching and mobility exercises are also important for maintaining flexibility and reducing stiffness in the affected areas.
5. Mind-body techniques. Chronic pain often has a significant emotional and psychological impact, and it can create a cycle of pain that’s worsened by stress and anxiety. Techniques like mindfulness, relaxation training, and breathing exercises can be helpful in managing the emotional aspects of chronic pain. 
6. Posture and ergonomics are important. Chronic pain, particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders, can be aggravated by poor posture or incorrect body mechanics. Providing education on posture correction and ergonomics, whether you’re sitting at a desk, lifting objects, or sleeping can put less unnecessary strain on the body.
7. Gradual progression and pacing with chronic pain. Overdoing it on good days can lead to more pain on the following days, so gradual progression is key. Individualized exercise plan that emphasizes gradual increases in intensity, with plenty of rest and recovery built into the routine.

Key Differences in Acute vs. Chronic Pain Management

• Duration: Acute pain tends to resolve within a few days to weeks, whereas chronic pain persists for months or longer.
• Treatment Focus: Acute pain management focuses primarily on reducing inflammation and protecting the injured area, while chronic pain management involves long-term strategies that include exercise, strengthening, and coping techniques to prevent pain from becoming disabling.
• Exercise Approach: In acute pain, exercise is often initially limited to avoid aggravating the injury, whereas in chronic pain, exercise is an ongoing part of treatment to improve strength, flexibility, and overall function.

 Pain Management is Individualized

Whether you’re dealing with acute pain from a recent injury or chronic pain from a long-term condition, effective pain management is a combination of education, understanding, and tailored treatment. Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists play a crucial role in helping individuals manage both types of pain by designing personalized treatment plans that incorporate movement, strength training, manual therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

If you’re struggling with acute or chronic pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic. We’re here to support you in your journey to a healthier, more comfortable life through a comprehensive approach to pain management.

If you having trouble understanding acute and chronic pain, reach out to Pivotal Motion Physiotherapy, we’re here to help you feel your best, whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or just want to move more easily. Get in touch with us today, and our team will be able to discuss with you in more depth on how we can help you. Book online or call us on 3352 5116.