Uncovering Chronic Pain: Reclaiming Life from Pain

By Dr. Frank J. Scerbo, PT, DPT ///

September is Pain Awareness Month—a time to recognize the millions of Americans living under the weight of chronic pain. And as football season kicks off today, it’s worth remembering that pain doesn’t discriminate. It affects everyone—from professional athletes who push their bodies to the limit, to everyday people balancing work, family, and health. Behind every statistic is a story of resilience, frustration, and the relentless pursuit of a more normal life.

What Is Chronic Pain—and Who Is Affected?

According to the US Pain Foundation, more than 51.6 million American adults live with chronic pain—and around 17.1 million of them endure high-impact chronic pain, where even routine activities—walking, working, or caring for family—become daily struggles.

Why Chronic Pain Persists

Chronic pain often begins with an injury or underlying health condition, but its roots can run deeper. Contributing factors include:

Genetics and family history
Older age and age-related changes
Being female, who statistically report chronic pain more often
Surgery or injury that doesn’t fully heal
Overweight or obesity, which strains joints and tissues
Stress or mood disorders like anxiety or depression
Trauma, whether physical or emotional

One of the most common types of pain is bone pain, which is felt deeply and persistently, affecting movement, rest, work, and even sleep.

The Power of Treatment: Spotlight on Physical Therapy

There’s no single “cure” for chronic pain. But research shows that multidisciplinary care—combining medical treatment, psychological support, and physical therapy—can offer meaningful, lasting improvement.

How Physical Therapy Helps:

Reduces reliance on medication, including opioids
Physical therapy provides non-invasive, safe pain management—addressing root causes, not just masking symptoms.
Improves functionality and restores independence
Through movement, manual therapy, and personalized treatment plans, patients often regain mobility and ease in everyday tasks.
Delivers long-term relief
Commitment to tailored PT often yields sustained improvement in pain and function.
Bridges’ physical and emotional wellness
PT addresses not just joints or muscles but also educates patients, builds confidence, and works hand-in-hand with psychological care for holistic healing.
Cost-effective and proactive
Physical therapy often reduces future healthcare burden and can delay or diminish the need for surgery or long-term medications.
Enhances well-being beyond pain relief
Regular physical activity—whether through PT, walking, or structured exercise—builds strength, reduces fatigue and inflammation, improves sleep and mood, and even lowers pain sensitivity.

Chronic Pain: A Human Story

The issue isn’t abstract. Many retired NFL players live with chronic pain from musculoskeletal injuries and osteoarthritis, conditions that continue to interfere with daily life long after their playing days. Their experiences mirror those of millions of Americans who, though not professional athletes, also live with the lingering consequences of pain.

How Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Can Help

If you’re in Edgewater, NJ, and living with chronic pain, Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation offers a pathway toward reclaiming your life:

Personalized, holistic physical therapy plans tailored to your unique history, goals, and daily activities.
An emphasis on non-pharmacologic, movement-based healing that addresses not only pain, but also your overall well-being.
Support to help you return to daily life—whether it’s work, hobbies, or simply enjoying moments with loved ones.

Chronic pain may be part of your story, but it doesn’t have to define it. With the proper support and treatment, reclaiming your life is possible.

This September, let’s not only raise awareness—but also lift each other with compassion, support, and action. Reach out, and let’s move forward—together.

Visit us conveniently located across the Hudson River on 725 River Road, Suite 60, Edgewater, NJ 07020, at the Edgewater Commons Marketplace Plaza.

Dr. Frank J. Scerbo, PT, DPT, MS, CSCS, received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Columbia University and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers University). He is a Certified Advanced Hip Clinician and Certified Overhead Athlete Specialist through the Hospital For Special Surgery. His specialty is in the area of adult and pediatric orthopedic physical therapy, with a particular interest in post-surgical rehabilitation. Dr. Scerbo is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is an adjunct Professor for the Kean University Physical Therapy Program. He has been on the advisory board for the Hospital for Special Surgery’s Rehabilitation Network for the past 10 years.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr. Scerbo or any of our expert licensed physical therapists, please call us at (201) 941-2240 or use our convenient online appointment form.