Professionals can advise you, but you should be in control of your pain management program. Be sure to find professionals who are open-minded, who listen to you and who do not minimize your pain. Learn to assert yourself and ask for what you need. A physiotherapist can devise an individual exercise program that helps prevent muscle wastage and effectively reduces pain by strengthening and increasing the joint's range of motion. Most physical therapy programs include pain management, patient education, gentle beneficial exercise and relaxation exercises adapted to the needs of each patient.
Many physiotherapists make home visits.
They're an excellent resource for all kinds of practical strategies for avoiding injury, reducing pain, improving function and learning coping skills. Occupational therapists can have custom splints and orthotics made to help keep affected joints properly aligned and protected from further injury. Many also make home visits. Acupuncturists Many traditional Chinese doctors as well as Western medical practitioners use acupuncture as part of their treatments. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in your province will be able to refer you to such professionals.