How the effects of physical therapy can help manage chronic pain over the use of opioids
Pain is complicated to treat. Many people experience pain after things like a work related injury, motor vehicle accident, or a fall in their home. In fact, pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek medical care. Over 100 million American adults are in constant pain. The economic costs attribute $600 billion each year! In addition, many people experience pain and limitations related to their injury or surgery long after the event. They find themselves in a chronic pain pattern dependent on medication to function.
Initial treatment for pain control often involves the use of opioids. Short term medication usage can be quite effective for treatment of acute pain or pain related to a surgery, and often the drug of choice is an opioid such as hydrocodone, fentanyl or OxyContin. However, opioids are addictive and can be dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2017 that an average of 130 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. In addition to the addictive patterns, these medications can actually cause pain and are associated with the side effects such as depression, sleepiness, confusion and hormone issues such as low testosterone.
How PT comes into play
Early physical therapy intervention following an injury is key to reducing the incidence of opioid addiction. Physical therapy provides the patient with options for pain relief that may not require the use of medication.
Physical therapists address the root causes for your pain presentation by:
Evaluating your condition
Addressing the underlying mechanical problems
Utilizing manual therapy skills, including vibration, laser, and soft tissue manipulation
Prescribing appropriate exercises to improve your strength and reduce your pain.
A vital component to a successful physical therapy session is exercise. Exercise, appropriately prescribed, helps to strengthen your body to withstand the stresses of normal life. And exercise alone releases endorphins to the body which act much like opioids to relieve your pain naturally and without addiction.
Are you looking for things that you can do now to reduce your pain?
Consider the following:
Contact your medical provider for a referral to a physical therapist. The CDC suggests that physical therapy is effective at reducing pain levels and improving functions in conditions such as fibromyalgia, back pain, and hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Exercise! While the thought of exercise might cause you anxiety and fear, movement prescribed in a safe manner could actually be the key to relief.
Consider utilizing natural pain relief techniques such as hydrotherapy, nutritional supplements, and massage.
Stress management! Finding relaxation tools can help to reduce pain in a healthy and natural way.
Sleep hygiene. Research has shown that lack of sleep can increase sensitivity and stress levels.
And finally, it is important to acknowledge that pain treatment is often most effective when led out by a pain management team.
While physical therapy in the early phases of treatment is most effective for pain relief, your therapist can help you find ways to reduce your pain and improve your function even years after an incident. This can protect you from over-utilization of opioids.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, consider seeking help from a physical therapist. Feel free to find us on Facebook or contact us directly through our website if you have additional questions regarding how physical therapy can help you reduce your pain–no referral needed!
Cover photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels