Most of us have experienced pain – and will experience it again – throughout our lives. Whether it comes on gradually, from an injury or accident, or due to an illness or disease; we should learn to manage the pain effectively.
While there are certainly circumstances in which opioid medications are appropriate, opioid use for extended periods of time to relieve pain can sometimes find themselves becoming chemically dependent, leading to even greater health risks and loss of functional ability.
Unfortunately, opioid addiction has grown to an epidemic level over the last few decades. And it continues to rise.
Opioids can be overused
There have been several factors identified in leading to the over-prescription and overuse of opioid medications. Opioid medications can be most effective in use for short-term, intense pain, as well as for certain chronic conditions, such as cancer-related pain.
However, their effectiveness generally decreases as the condition becomes more chronic. While there are certain situations in which opioid medications are appropriate, physical therapy is often a safer and more functional long-term solution than taking prescription medications. And it isn’t addictive.
How can physical therapy help?
Physical Therapists at Oklahoma Physical Therapy utilize a personally-tailored evaluation to identify the triggers causing your pain. Once identified, we can then begin specifically developed treatments to correct and eliminate your pain.
Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments of many that people experience, and it is the most common ailment that requires an opioid prescription. Pain medication may give some relief so you can continue your work or lifestyle with minimal interruptions.
But consider this – if you can treat the source of the pain without medication, then you could save yourself a lifetime of pain, and instead, live life as you should. Physical Therapy is a safer and more cost-effective alternative treatment in the long run.
Personalized treatment at Oklahoma Physical Therapy
Many patients haven’t needed to use opioids after consulting with a physical therapist first. You see, opioids may relieve the pain for a short period of time but do nothing to remedy the cause. Our trained physical therapists at your local Oklahoma Physical Therapy facility will be happy to meet with you and create a personalized treatment plan so you can start living the quality of life you should enjoy.
Contact us at Oklahoma Physical Therapy and book an appointment. Let our certified physical therapists help get your journey started to become pain-free, without opioids.