5 Reasons To Choose Physical Therapy Instead Of Pain Medication

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sales of prescription opioids have quadrupled in the United States, even though "there has not been an overall change in the amount of pain that Americans report."
In response to a growing opioid epidemic, the CDC released opioid prescription guidelines in March 2016. The guidelines recognize that prescription opioids are appropriate in certain cases, including cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care, and also in certain acute care situations, if properly dosed.  But for other pain management the CDC recommends non-opioid approaches like physical therapy.

Patients should choose physical therapy when:
1. The risks of opioid use outweigh the rewards. Potential side effects of opioids include depression, overdose, and addiction, plus withdrawal symptoms when stopping opioid use. Because of these risks, experts agree that opioids should not be considered first line or routine therapy for chronic pain.

2. Patients want to do more than mask the pain. Opioids reduce the sensation of pain by interrupting pain signals to the brain. Physical therapists treat pain through movement while partnering with patients to improve or maintain their mobility and quality of life.

3. Pain or function problems are related to low back pain, hip or knee osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia.  The CDC cites "high-quality evidence" supporting exercise as part of a physical therapy treatment plan for these conditions. Consistent physical therapy for these diagnoses can be very beneficial in both managing and treating the pain and discomfort.

4. Opioids are prescribed for pain. Even in situations when opioids are prescribed, the CDC recommends that patients should receive "the lowest effective dosage," and opioids "should be combined" with non-opioid therapies, such as physical therapy.

5. Pain lasts 90 days or more. At this point, the pain is considered "chronic," and the risks for continued opioid use increase. An estimated 116 million Americans have chronic pain each year. The CDC guidelines note that non-opioid therapies are "preferred" for chronic pain.

In August 2018 the State of Illinois became a direct access state for physical therapy.  That means that you no longer need a prescription or referral from your physician to have physical therapy services.  If you are interested in starting physical therapy give us a call today or click below to schedule an appointment.

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