Could Physical Therapy Be More Effective Than Pain Medication?

According to a recent study published by the CDC (Centre for Disease Control), there was a marked decrease in prescription opioid overdoses in the United States. The rate fell by nearly 14% between 2017 and 2018.

Despite the decrease, many feel that the number is still too high, and pain management alternatives are the way forward. Several centers offer physiotherapy treatments. Activa mentions a few, from chiropractic to a mental health program.

The Debate

The CDC has published a set of guidelines for prescribing opioids and recognizes that patients need to meet specific criteria. These include chronic pain, active cancer treatment, severe medical conditions, and end-of-life care.

The risk of becoming addicted to the medication increases, the longer a patient uses it. This dependence can end up causing more damage to the user and nullifies the intended goal. Opioid use can also have unpleasant side effects like depression and eventual withdrawal.

A physiotherapy approach would work best for patients who want to deal with the problem rather than mask their symptoms. It will allow a chance to get to the root of the issue and not merely put a bandaid on it.

When choosing which option is best, the general rule of thumb would be to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. It's always good to determine whether you need to visit a physical therapist before you dish out the money for your first session.

Exercise can also be an instrumental tool in your approach to pain. Many therapists recommend that you resume physical activity once the initial injury has healed.

After that, you should gradually introduce targeted exercise into your routine that focuses on the area in which you're hurting most. This will encourage the release of endorphins, your body's natural pain killers.

Research done by Stanford University School of Medicine and the Duke University School of Medicine had some compelling results. It showed that between six to eighteen percent of participants who underwent physical therapy soon after their initial injury were less likely to use opioids to manage their discomfort.

What Is Physical Therapy?

The type of care you receive depends on what part of the body was damaged. Some injuries might require more than one kind of treatment. You should also ensure that you make the most of your physiotherapy sessions and continue the workouts at home.

Orthopedic Remedies

This is the most common form of rehabilitation. It usually focuses on injuries caused to someone's muscles, ligaments, bones, or tendons. These can range from ankle sprains to carpal tunnel.

The specialist will usually help create a treatment plan for you to follow, administer care to the affected area, and advise you on preventing this type of injury from occurring in the future.

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Treatment

This therapy helps those who've had heart attacks, pulmonary fibrosis, or obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It promotes the strengthening of muscles and enhances their endurance.

It aims to limit similar injuries from transpiring while also boosting the individual's overall health. Some of the workouts might include running on a treadmill, rowing, or stationary cycling.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular disorder sufferers often have problems with dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, or even visual disturbance. The specialist will work on improving the patient's balance and steadiness through muscle training and strengthening.

Neurological Therapy

These therapists specialize in treating individuals with mobility problems caused by disease or injury to their central nervous system. They generally aim to improve the overall quality of life their patients have.

In a Nutshell

Everyone has their own choices to make, and it's up to you whether you prefer the pharmaceutical or physical route. It would be best to educate yourself on the risks and always ensure you have all the information before deciding.