In the Wake of the Opioid Crisis, Physical Therapy a Safer Bet in Alleviating Pain
As we navigate through everyday living, it is almost a given that we will experience pain at some point. From minor pains like headaches and bump-related foot pain to pains as a result of major accidents, illnesses or disease, there is no telling how the pain will come. Regardless of the cause of the pain, it is always important to know how to manage it.
Unfortunately, the need to manage pain has led to the opioid crisis existing today. Opioids are an excellent way to manage pain, but their addictive properties mean that a lot of people remain hooked to the medications long after the pain treatment has ended. The high risk of addiction to opioids is why physical therapy is a better solution to deal with pain. Apart from helping to alleviate pain, physical therapy can uncover the underlying cause of the pain.
Limiting the use of opioids
The scourge of opioid overuse can be attributed to several factors such as improper management of the prescription process and a general lack of understanding of the risks involved with each of these medications. Misinformation from the pharmaceutical brands making the opioids is also a factor.
Generally, the use of opioids for pain treatment should be limited to intense, short-term pain. If you use opioids for chronic pain, the effectiveness will wane after a while hence the start of the slippery slope of addiction.
How we can help
Even when faced with inhibitory but common pain (such as lower back or knee pain), do not use opioids. Talk to a qualified physical therapist to find the source of the pain and receive holistic and cost-effective treatment. When you treat the underlying causes of the pain, you will not lose resources on the same issue in the future.
Here at Fusion Physical Therapy in Lawton, Oklahoma, our certified physical therapists will provide a permanent solution to your pain. The consultation sessions will help us to create a unique treatment plan for your specific pain. You don’t have to put yourself at the risk of becoming an opioid addict. Get in touch with our professional physical therapists today!
