Physical Therapy: A Safe Alternative to Opioids for Pain Management

No one wants to live in pain. But no one should put their health at risk in an effort to be pain free. Doctor-prescribed opioids are appropriate in some cases, but they just mask the pain—and opioid risks include depression, overdose, and addiction, plus withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. That’s why the CDC recommends safer alternatives like physical therapy to manage pain.

Physical therapists treat pain through movement, hands-on care, and patient education—and by increasing physical activity you can also reduce your risk of other chronic diseases.

Why Physical Therapy for Pain Management?

Other Reasons to Choose Physical Therapy

Alternative to surgery: Physical therapy has been found to be as effective as surgery for conditions including meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis, and rotator cuff tears.

Individualized treatment: Physical therapist treatment plans are tailored to each person’s needs and goals.

Identification of potential risks: Physical therapists can identify additional health issues, beyond what the patient initially reports, thereby improving a person’s overall health and quality of life.

Participate in your care: Being an active participant in your recovery process can have a positive effect on your success.