Chronic pain is one of (if not the) leading cause of disability in the United States. 

In fact, roughly 1 in 5 (20.9%) people in the U.S. — more than 50 million Americans — experience chronic pain every year, according to recent data by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

And more than 17 million of those people live with high-impact chronic pain. 

That means roughly 1 in 3 people with chronic pain experience a severe restriction in daily activities that negatively impact quality of life — including their performance at work, home and everything in between. 

It isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a daily disruption. 

It affects how you move, how you sleep and, in many cases, how you show up for the people you love.

But don’t worry — there is hope. And there always will be. 

While medication and surgery are often the first solutions people think of when it comes to chronic pain, they aren’t the only options available — nor are they always the most effective for long-term relief. 

That’s where physical therapy in Flatiron, NY comes in.

In a neighborhood like Flatiron, where accessibility, innovation and whole-body wellness collide, physical therapy has become a trusted, research-backed, non-invasive approach to managing long-term pain.

So, let’s take a closer look at what that entails — and what it might be your best shot at a better life. 

What is chronic pain? 

When you stub a toe or pinch a finger, the pain usually goes away within a few days, if not hours.

This is known as acute pain — the type of sudden, short-term pain that typically lasts for a few days up to three months and is caused by an injury (sprained ankle), illness (strep throat) or procedure (surgery).

But what about the pain that lingers? 

What about the pain that overstays its welcome? 

That’s what we call chronic pain. 

Chronic pain is characterized by persistent or recurring pain that lasts more than three to six months. It doesn’t follow the usual rules that come with the healing process and can stem from a variety of issues.

For example, here are some of the most common causes of chronic pain in the United States today: 

• Neuropathic pain: Also known as nerve pain. This can happen with pinched nerves, peripheral neuropathy or conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.
• Musculoskeletal pain: Pain that affects your muscles, joints, bones or tendons — often from sports injuries or everyday wear and tear.
• Visceral pain: Pain coming from your internal organs, such as your digestive system, bladder or reproductive organs.
• Inflammatory pain: Pain caused by inflammation, whether from an autoimmune condition (like rheumatoid arthritis) or an infection (like shingles).
• Central sensitization: When the nervous system becomes extra sensitive over time, making pain feel stronger or more widespread than it should.

Some of the most common types of chronic pain include arthritis or joint pain, back pain (especially in the lower back), headaches, cancer pain, fibromyalgia, neck pain and pain from repetitive strains or sprains.

How can physical therapy address chronic pain? 

Most people think chronic pain can only be addressed through surgery and medication. 

And it makes sense — not only are those the solutions we see most on TV commercials, social media ads and in conversations with a doctor, but they’ve also been the default approach for decades. 

But for many people, those options can feel intimidating.

The idea of taking pain medication long-term — especially with the side effects or dependency risks that come with it — isn’t appealing. And the thought of undergoing surgery doesn’t quite ease the anxiety. 

But what if there was a different way? 

What if physical therapy could ease the pain? 

Physical therapy is about understanding how your body moves, identifying the underlying problem that’s contributing to the pain and using targeted, hands-on techniques to restore balance, strength and mobility.

It helps people get better without relying on surgery or medication. 

And, in many cases, helps them avoid those options altogether.

Maybe a stiff hip is causing your lower back to overwork. Or weak core muscles are forcing your neck and shoulders to compensate. Maybe it’s the years of poor posture or repetitive strain that are causing pain. 

Either way, physical therapy in Flatiron, NY is designed to reverse it. 

Instead of masking symptoms, it retrains your body to move the way it was meant to. And instead of offering temporary relief, it builds long-term resilience and often prevents the risk of injury in the future.

PhysioRX: Your one-stop shop chronic pain relief

Have you been experiencing pain for more than three months? Has chronic pain interfered with your ability to live a normal, happy and healthy life? Are you looking to avoid surgery or long-term medication?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to PhysioRX — your No. 1 spot for physical therapy in Manhattan. 

With a thoughtful, movement-based approach and one-on-one guidance from expert physical therapists, we help our patients rebuild strength, restore mobility and reclaim the freedom to move without fear.

This is more than treatment — it’s a fresh start.

And it begins the moment you walk through our doors.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward lasting relief, contact our Flatiron office today at (646) 860-0670 or book a consultation with one of our specialists online. Your road to recovery starts here!

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