What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that persists for longer than three months, often beyond the normal healing time for an injury. It can affect any part of the body and may or may not have an identifiable structural cause. Chronic pain involves changes in the nervous system that make pain signals more sensitive — meaning the pain is real, but it doesn't always reflect ongoing tissue damage. Modern, evidence-based physical therapy addresses both the physical and neurological aspects of chronic pain.
Common symptoms
- Pain lasting longer than 3 months
- Pain that seems out of proportion to any injury
- Pain that moves around or spreads over time
- Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature
- Fatigue and poor sleep
- Difficulty with activities you used to do easily
- Avoidance of movement due to fear of pain
- Frustration, anxiety, or feeling stuck
What causes chronic pain?
Chronic pain can develop from an initial injury that didn't fully resolve, from conditions like arthritis or nerve damage, or without a clear structural cause. Prolonged inactivity, stress, poor sleep, and fear of movement can all amplify pain signals. The nervous system becomes sensitized — essentially turning up the volume on pain. Understanding this is a crucial part of recovery.
How online PT helps with chronic pain
Evaluation. Your PT takes a comprehensive look at your pain — its history, patterns, triggers, and how it affects your life. They assess your movement, strength, and identify areas where fear or avoidance may be limiting your recovery.
Treatment. Treatment combines graded exposure to movement (gradually increasing what you can do), pain neuroscience education (understanding how pain works), targeted strengthening, and strategies to improve sleep and stress management. The goal is to rebuild your confidence in your body.
Ongoing support. Chronic pain management is a process. Between visits, message your PT about flare-ups, wins, or setbacks. Your program evolves as your capacity grows and your pain decreases.
What to expect
Your first visit is about 60 minutes over video. Your PT will spend significant time understanding your pain story and how it impacts your daily life. You'll leave with a plan focused on gradual, safe progression. Chronic pain improvement takes time — but most patients notice meaningful changes within 6-8 weeks of consistent work.
Insurance accepted for chronic pain
Online physical therapy for chronic pain is covered by most major insurance plans. You pay your normal copay — nothing extra for online visits.
MedicareBlue Shield of CaliforniaAnthem Blue CrossCignaAetnaUnited HealthcareHumana
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