In cases of traumatic injury, such as whiplash or a lifting injury, a strain, sprain, or joint damage may in fact have occurred. In many cases, however, pain reflects chronic muscular hypertonicity following injury or subsequent to long-term stress. Lactic acid buildup and tissue irritation follow.
Psychotherapy: How it Works and How it Can Help. Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can be an important part of treatment for depression or bipolar disorder (manic depression). A good therapist can help you cope with feelings and symptoms, and change behavior patterns that may contribute to your illness.
Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility-in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.