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VSS Team

The Modern Approach to Persistent Pain with Physical Therapy

Updated: Oct 23


Advancements in pain research and education have opened new doors for effective pain relief. It's important if you're struggling with persistent pain to work with a provider who is up-to-date on the latest advancements and strategies to help you with your pain.


Understanding Persistent Pain

Persistent pain, often referred to as chronic pain, persists beyond the expected time for tissue healing. It can affect every aspect of a person's life, leading to emotional distress, limitations in daily activities, and a diminished overall quality of life. The complexity of persistent pain lies not just in its physical manifestation but also in its psychological and social impact.


The Evolution of Pain Understanding

Over the years, research in pain science has evolved significantly, revolutionizing our understanding of persistent pain. Previously, pain was viewed as a direct result of tissue damage or injury. However, contemporary research highlights the intricate interplay of various factors in generating and sustaining pain, including the nervous system's role and the impact of psychological and environmental elements.


A Specialized Approach to Persistent Pain

Dr. Ashbeck has special interest in persistent pain utilizes a multidimensional approach to pain management. He is up to date on the latest knowledge and techniques derived from cutting-edge research, enabling him to address the diverse aspects of persistent pain effectively.


Comprehensive Assessment:

A specialized physical therapist starts by conducting a thorough assessment, considering not only the physical aspects of pain but also the emotional, cognitive, and social components. This comprehensive approach aids in tailoring an individual treatment plan.


Individualized Treatment Plans:

Understanding that each individual's pain experience is unique, Dr. Ashbeck crafts personalized treatment plans. These plans encompass a range of techniques, exercises, and strategies to target the specific needs and goals of the patient.


Pain Education:

Education is a vital component of the treatment process. He ensure that his patients understand the complexities of persistent pain, empowering them to actively participate in their healing journey.


Pain Relief Techniques:

Leveraging the latest advancements in pain relief techniques, physical therapists incorporate a variety of modalities such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, myofascial release, and more to alleviate pain and improve function.


Embracing a Pain-Free Future

Modern research insights with a personalized, approach positions specialized physical therapists like Dr. Ashbeck as an ideal partners in your quest for a pain-free life.


By incorporating the latest advancements in pain science, we are dedicated to guiding you through a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your persistent pain from an advanced biopsychosocial model.


The Biopsychosocial Model

This is a comprehensive model used to understand and manage health conditions, including persistent pain. It considers the interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors in shaping a person's overall health and experience of illness.


Biological Factors: This aspect focuses on the biological components related to health and illness. In the context of persistent pain, it involves understanding the physiological processes, anatomical structures, and any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to the pain.


Psychological Factors: Psychological factors are essential in understanding how thoughts, emotions, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors influence a person's health and response to illness. This facet recognizes the role of stress, anxiety, depression, coping mechanisms, perception of pain, and other mental and emotional aspects in the experience and management of persistent pain.


Social Factors: Social factors encompass the influence of a person's social environment, relationships, cultural background, socioeconomic status, education, and support systems on health and well-being. It acknowledges how social interactions, societal norms, family dynamics, work environment, and community factors impact an individual's experience of pain and ability to manage it effectively.


The Integration of Biopsychosocial Model:

The biopsychosocial model emphasizes that an individual's health cannot be accurately understood or addressed by considering biological aspects alone. Instead, it promotes an integrated approach that accounts for the complex interactions between biology, psychology, and the social environment.

In the context of persistent pain, this model suggests that effective pain management requires a comprehensive understanding of not only the physical factors causing the pain (biological) but also the individual's mental and emotional responses to pain (psychological) and the social support and circumstances affecting their pain experience (social).


Clinical Application

The biopsychosocial model is used to develop personalized treatment plans for patients. For example, in treating persistent pain, a physical therapist utilizing this model may not only focus on physical exercises and manual therapies (biological) but also address the patient's beliefs about pain (psychological) and help them navigate their social environment to support pain management (social).


Understanding and integrating the biopsychosocial model into healthcare practice helps provide more comprehensive and effective care, acknowledging that health is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social elements. It also encourages a patient-centered approach, empowering individuals to actively participate in their healthcare journey.


Persistent Pain Conditions

Here's a list of common medical diagnoses associated with persistent pain.


Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease leading to joint pain and stiffness.


Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder causing joint inflammation and chronic pain.


Fibromyalgia: Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points.


Chronic Back Pain: Ongoing pain in the lower back, often related to spinal conditions.


Migraines and Headaches: Chronic headaches, including migraines, can cause persistent head pain.


Neuropathic Pain: Pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction, as seen in diabetic neuropathy.


Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Chronic pain condition usually affecting a limb after an injury.


Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A disorder characterized by extreme fatigue and widespread muscle and joint pain.


Herniated Disc: When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing, it can cause persistent back or neck pain.


Others: There are several other medical conditions that can cause persistent pain.


Physical Therapy in Appleton with Dr. Kelly Ashbeck



If you are wondering if Dr. Ashbeck can help, simply email your questions or reach out to the office to request a call back and he would be happy to chat.


If you have payment or insurance question, use this link. If you still have questions simply call, text or email:


Call or text: 920 931 2532


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