HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN PROVIDE BETTER PAIN RELIEF THAN OPIOIDS
Chronic pain is a lot more than just sore muscles and aching bones. It’s a whole-body condition that can take a toll on you both physically and psychologically. For this reason, a lot of people turn to prescription opioids for quick pain relief. According to the CDC, the sale of prescription drugs has quadrupled since 1991, plunging the U.S. into an opioid epidemic. Fortunately, there is a healthier and safer pain relief alternative to opioids – physical therapy. If you are considering opioids but would like to explore other options first, please get in touch with our physical therapist in West County, Mo. But for now, read on to learn how physical therapy can help you rid yourself of harmful opioids.
Physical therapy addresses the underlying cause of pain
Unlike opioids, physical therapy focuses more on just dulling the pain symptoms. After an extensive diagnosis, our physical therapist in West County, Mo can help you identify the source of your pain and the possible contributing factors. Then based on the findings, they will develop a comprehensive individualized plan relevant to your condition. Therefore, physical therapy affords you long-term pain relief.
The risks of opioids outweigh the rewards
In some cases, the risks of opioids simply do not justify the need to take them. Extended opioid use can induce symptoms of depression such as sleep disturbances and social withdrawal, addiction, overdose, and withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, the CDC recommends opioid use for cancer treatment, end-of-life care, palliative care, and certain care situations like after surgery. Physical therapy should be your go-to option for other types of pain not covered by the CDC.
Physical therapy can help you become stronger
Another important goal of physical therapy is to improve body function. A physical therapist will likely recommend a range of motion exercises aimed at moving a particular joint and surrounding soft tissues. This can help you improve the mobility and strength of a specific joint, stimulate the healing of soft tissues and joint lesions, decrease pain, and improve overall fitness.
Stay active with physical therapy
If you are looking to get back to doing the things you love, physical therapy can help you achieve your goal. People of all ages and activity levels can stay mobile and healthy thanks to physical therapy. Continued participation in physical therapy can improve energy levels and boost mood. This improvement translates into a reduction in mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, physical therapy can promote healing by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that naturally alleviate pain.