BOOK NOW

Which pain relief for muscular or joint pain?

By Physiotherapist Tracey DiMatteo

bigstock-Woman-with-spine-and-back-pain-29309150When you are suffering muscular or joint pain, it can be difficult to decide which type of pain relief may help your condition.

Medication can be useful to manage pain, but what should you take?

There is a wealth of information on the internet, but this can be confusing. NHS Choices is a good place to start. Specific advice can be sought from your local pharmacist or GP, who can discuss and advise you on appropriate medication for your condition.

There are also alternative methods of pain relief you may like to consider:

Cold therapy

Cold therapy is especially good for joints or muscles that are hot and swollen.

Cold therapy includes homemade ice packs (bag of frozen peas can do the trick), cold gels and sprays applied to the local area. They can reduce pain, swelling and muscle spasm.

Depending on the level of pain, cold therapy can be applied up to every two hours for 20 minutes maximum. If using a topical cold therapy always read the instructions for use regarding frequency of application. 

Heat therapy

Heat therapy helps relax muscle spasm and thereby relieve pain. This may include hot water bottles, heat rubs and sprays of patches.

 Caution with cold and heat therapy:

  • Keep applications to 20 minutes maximum
  • Do not apply to areas with poor circulation, numbness or broken skin
  • Keep an eye on the skin and remove if the skin becomes bright red, blotchy or blistered
  • Be careful with both hot and cold treatments as they may damage your skin – wrapping the treatment with something light like a tea-towel may help.

 Other therapies to consider:

  1. E. N. S (Trans -Cutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) – this is a technique that uses small pulses of electricity that produce a tingling sensation to disrupt or reduce pain signals
  2. Relaxation techniques, especially with deep breathing can help reduce pain
  3. Gentle Exercise – keeping active where possible can help block pain signals. Walking and swimming may help
  4.  Massage can help relieve muscle spasm and tension to give pain relief
  5.  Acupuncture has been proven to offer good pain relief
  6. Manual therapy. Physiotherapy, chiropractic and other manual therapies can be helpful to treat pain using manipulation, massage, exercise and various manual techniques
  7.  Try doing something you enjoy to take your mind off the pain, e.g reading, chatting to friends
  8. Get enough sleep
  9. If using medication, ensure you take your last dose before bed to help you sleep. If sleep problems persist, make sure you speak to your GP
  10. If pain persists – then the most important thing is to seek professional help.

If you are in pain and would like to talk to any of our practitioners, please call reception 020 8943 2424 and our reception team will arrange a telephone call for you.

Tracey DiMatteo Physiotherapist Waldegrave Clinic

Tracey DiMatteo Physiotherapist Waldegrave Clinic

Related Posts

Meet the Chiropractor – Ben Jones

What led you to become a chiropractor? Growing up I often attended the local chiropractor when my father had back pain. I was amazed at how he was able to help people in pain and instantly fell in love with the profession. Unfortunately, I had my own experience of...

read more

Meet the Massage Therapist – Joanne Grinbergs

What led you into wanting to become a massage therapist? I worked for a long time at The Body Shop: for a few years I was the Community Projects Coordinator and Company Trainer.  I set up various projects in and around London for the staff to volunteer at. One of them...

read more

Covid Lockdown Update – we remain open

UPDATE 4th January 2021 We are open The Waldegrave Clinic are classified as medical services.  We therefore remain open (except for massage and Pilates) and look forward to welcoming you at the clinic as usual despite the new lockdown restrictions. Keeping our...

read more

How To Book

If you’re ready to book just click below to book online easily, or if you have any questions prior to booking we can be reached on 020 8943 2424 from 8am – 7:30pm Weekdays & 8am – 1:30pm on Saturdays.

Quality Assured.

The Waldegrave Clinic has been awarded the coveted Patient Partnership Quality Mark AND Clinical Management Quality Mark in recognition of our superb clinical standards.

Our practice is one of the few clinics nationally that has been awarded both the Patient Partnership Quality Mark and a research status award in recognition of our superb clinical standards. Our high level of expertise is matched with an excellent range of facilities including Shockwave therapy, rehabilitation gym and private changing rooms.

ppqm-2018-2020-4800px
cmqm-2018-2020-4800px