Living with chronic pain can be discouraging and debilitating. Pursuing pain relief often leads to prescription opioids, but it’s crucial to understand the associated risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doctor-prescribed opioids may provide temporary relief but only mask pain without addressing its root cause. Furthermore, opioid side effects can have devastating consequences on both patients and their loved ones.
At Mountain Land Physical Therapy, we believe there is a safer and more effective alternative to managing pain—physical therapy. Our dedicated team of trained therapists specializes in creating personalized treatment plans that not only relieve pain but also target its source, enabling patients to return to their daily lives pain-free.
When to Choose Physical Therapy:
- The Risks Outweigh the Rewards: It’s crucial to weigh the risks and rewards of employing opioids for pain management. Opioid use carries the potential for side effects such as depression, overdose, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. When opioids’ dangers outweigh their benefits, it’s time to consider alternative options.
- Opioids are Prescribed for Pain: The CDC recommends using prescribed opioids at the lowest effective dosage and in conjunction with non-opioid therapies such as physical therapy. This combination can offer a safer and more comprehensive approach to pain management.
- Pain Lasts 90 Days: Chronic pain persists for 90 days or longer, and non-opioid therapies, including physical therapy, are preferred for managing it.
- Pain is Related to Specific Conditions: For conditions like low back pain, hip or knee osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia, the CDC acknowledges “high-quality evidence” supporting exercise as part of a physical therapy treatment plan.
- Choose to Treat, Not Just Mask: Opioids reduce pain sensation by interrupting pain signals to the brain, while physical therapists work with patients to address pain through movement, aiming to improve mobility and enhance overall quality of life.
When managing pain, make informed decisions that prioritize short-term relief and long-term well-being. Prescription opioids may provide temporary relief, but their associated risks make them a less-than-ideal solution. Instead, opt for physical therapy, as recommended by the CDC, when opioid risks outweigh the rewards or when chronic pain persists.
At Mountain Land Physical Therapy, our team is committed to developing customized treatment plans that address the source of your pain, helping you regain your freedom and live a life without pain. Choose physical therapy for lasting pain relief and an improved quality of life. You deserve nothing less.
