New Delhi, Feb 16: With chronic back and joint pain increasingly common among working professionals, the shift toward non-pharmacological pain management is gaining momentum among physiotherapists. The focus is on restoring function, improving mobility, and reducing discomfort.
Global research indicates that up to 70–80% of adults experience it at least once in their lifetime, and physiotherapy-based interventions are known to provide significant improvement for a large proportion of cases. More than half of chronic back pain patients can be managed effectively without long-term dependence on pain medication, a study suggests.
According to Dr. Dharam P. Pandey, Managing Director, APARC Healthcare, said: “Pain is often a sign that the body’s mechanics are off balance — weak muscles, poor posture, or restricted joints. Through progressive strengthening, flexibility drills, aerobic conditioning, and joint mobilization, we help patients move better and feel better. The goal isn’t just pain relief, but restoring daily function.”
Physiotherapy blends therapeutic exercise, manual techniques, and non-invasive modalities to relieve pain and improve mobility. Strengthening and flexibility exercises reduce stiffness, build support around affected joints, and stimulate the body’s natural pain-regulating mechanisms.
Hands-on manual therapy, including soft tissue work, myofascial release, and joint mobilization, eases tension and restores movement. Tools such as TENS, ultrasound, heat, cold therapy, and dry needling help control inflammation and modulate pain without pharmacological intervention. Patients are also guided on posture, ergonomics, pacing, and stress management to prevent recurrent flare-ups and support long-term recovery.
While painkillers are useful during acute injury or high-intensity pain, especially where inflammation must be controlled quickly, long-term use is not without risk. Commonly used NSAIDs may lead to gastric irritation, acidity, kidney strain, or elevated cardiovascular risk when consumed frequently. Stronger medications, including opioids, may also carry dependency risks if used improperly.
Dr. Meenakshi Rajput, HOD Physiotherapy, Jaipur Golden Hospital, Rohini, Delhi, says: “Medication certainly has a place in pain management. But physiotherapy equips individuals with tools to stabilize, strengthen, and protect their bodies, reducing reliance on medicines for chronic problems and improving long-term outcomes.”
Physiotherapists emphasize that chronic back and neck pain, arthritis-related stiffness, sports injuries, sciatica, and post-surgical rehabilitation respond especially well to structured physiotherapy, particularly when treatment begins early, and compliance is high.