PT Instead of Opiods

Physical Therapy vs. Opioids

It would be hard not to listen to the news or read about the growing epidemic in America, “the opioid crisis.” Many patients notice being prescribed non-narcotic medications to control pain after surgery or injury. The CDC released opioid prescription guidelines in March of 2016 which requires providers to use much stricter guidelines. The CDC instead recommends non-opioid approaches such as physical therapy! Physical therapy is recommended for:

• Chronic pain, lasting more than 90 days
• Acute pain, lasting more than a few days
• Discouraging “masking” of pain
• Avoiding serious side effects of opioids such as depression, addiction, withdrawal symptoms, constipation

The CDC cites high-quality evidence supporting exercise as part of a physical therapy treatment plan for a multitude of conditions (fibromyalgia, knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, hip pain-to name a few.)

Please refer to American Physical Therapy National Campaign to #ChoosePT!!!