Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

Chronic pain management

We help manage long-term pain with a team-based approach centered on improving your function, sleep and quality of life, tailoring treatments to your unique needs and goals.

Chronic pain management at TidalHealth focuses on you. Our approach is designed to reduce ongoing pain, restore daily function, and improve quality of life for pain lasting more than three months or beyond normal healing. Rather than only eliminating pain, our goal is to help you return to valued activities, sleep better, lift your mood, and reduce reliance on medications that carry long-term risks.

Why It’s Done

  • Reduce the severity and frequency of pain
  • Help you maintain or regain the ability to work, enjoy daily routines, and connect with others
  • Address sleep and emotional changes associated with long-term pain
  • Minimize side effects and risks of long-term medication use

What Chronic Pain Management Involves

  • Comprehensive assessment: Review of medical and pain history, physical exam, evaluation of function, prior tests or treatments, and discussion of mood, sleep, and other health concerns.
  • Collaborative care approach: Care may involve primary care providers, pain specialists, therapists, behavioral health support, pharmacists, and other specialty providers as needed.
  • Treatments tailored to you: Plans include education and self-management strategies, physical therapy, monitored medications, targeted treatments such as injections or nerve blocks, psychological therapies, and other supportive techniques.

What to Expect During Your Care

  • Initial visit: Review your pain history, function, and goals. Questionnaires, imaging, or lab tests may be included.
  • Your individualized plan: A practical, stepwise plan focused on improving function and, when possible, reducing pain. Less invasive treatments are usually tried first.
  • Continued support: Regular follow-ups assess treatment effectiveness and adjust your plan as needed.

Recovery and Long-Term Outlook

  • Improvement is gradual and depends on the cause of your pain, other health conditions, and adherence to your plan.
  • Success is measured by improved function, sleep, mood, reduced flare-ups, and safe reduction of high-risk medications.
  • The team teaches tools to manage pain and prevent setbacks so you can continue meaningful activities.

Your Role and Our Team Approach

  • Active participation — keeping up with exercises, taking medications as prescribed, attending therapy, and reporting progress — is key.
  • We focus on safe, practical, and effective options to help you reach your goals, supporting you every step of the way.

What is chronic pain and how is it different from acute pain?
Chronic pain lasts longer than three months, often continuing after tissue healing, and is influenced by the body, thoughts, and daily life. Acute pain signals an injury and usually improves as you heal.

Will my pain go away completely?
Some people experience significant relief, while others may not fully eliminate pain. Our goal is to help you function better, reduce pain, and enjoy life. Realistic goals are set collaboratively.

What treatments are most effective?
A combination of physical therapy, behavioral or psychological support, carefully chosen medications, interventional treatments if needed, and lifestyle changes is often most effective. The team builds a plan based on your needs and history.

Are pain procedures safe?
Interventions like injections, nerve blocks, or spinal cord stimulation are generally safe when performed by experienced specialists. Risks and benefits are reviewed with you before any procedure.

Will I need opioids?
Most patients do not require long-term opioids. Short-term use may occur in select cases, but we focus on safer alternatives and careful supervision if opioids are necessary.

How long before I notice improvement?
Improvement can take time. Some treatments provide faster relief, while therapy and habit-building are gradual. Progress is reviewed regularly and plans adjusted as needed.

What if my pain flares up?
You receive a flare plan, which may include pacing activity, short-term medication adjustments, home exercises, and other strategies. Seek immediate help for sudden numbness, weakness, or changes in bladder or bowel control.

Do you treat all types of chronic pain?
TidalHealth supports a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including ongoing back and neck pain, nerve pain, post-surgical pain, and joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Services vary based on your needs.

How do I prepare for my first appointment?
Bring a list of medications, past treatments and tests, pain patterns and triggers, and your goals for care. Be ready to discuss sleep, mood, and daily routine.

What if I have other medical or mental health concerns?
Care is coordinated with your other providers and includes support for mood, sleep, and stress, which are important parts of overall pain management and recovery.