How does your chronic pain affect you? Perhaps you have a hard time getting out of bed or climbing stairs. Maybe you find yourself feeling stressed, distracted, and depressed at work. You might wake up in the middle of the night or struggle to fall asleep because of pain. If you’re like many of the 50 million Americans dealing with chronic pain, you may even struggle with something as simple as getting dressed.
Our physical therapist team urges you not to despair in the face of chronic pain. Decades of research show physical therapy is a safe and effective way to alleviate pain and improve function for people living with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, and more. You’re invited to call PT Link Physical Therapy today to learn more about how we can help!
The Problem With Pain Meds
Pain-relieving drugs are among the most popular (and profitable) types of medications within the pharmaceutical industry. While medications are sometimes appropriate in a comprehensive pain management plan, the overuse of pain medications is creating significant problems for many Americans.
As an example, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can cause potentially serious side effects including liver damage—especially if they are taken chronically. And prescription medications like opioids are highly addictive, which increases a person’s risk for drug dependency, tolerance, withdrawal, overdose, and abuse. The problem with opioid medications is so severe in our country that it has been declared by some health officials as an epidemic. For instance, at least 130 Americans die every day of an overdose on prescription or illicit opioids including hydrocodone, oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl.
Beside these serious issues, both over-the-counter and prescription pain medications can also come with a host of side effects. These include constipation, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness—signs and symptoms which can be just as disruptive as the original pain condition! The good news is that many individuals are able to decrease or eliminate their pain without the use of medication.
How Physical Therapy Offers Effective Solutions to Your Pain
Fed up with drugs that are costly, ineffective, and problematic—or wary of the drugs’ addictive qualities—many people are turning to physical therapy as a way to improve their pain. Here are just a few things a physical therapist can do for you if you’re thinking of making a change:
- Corrective exercises and stretches that increase strength, endurance, mobility, and postural awareness—all of which can correct underlying factors contributing to your pain
- Education about the mechanism of pain, so you have a better understanding of the neurological, psychological, and physical elements of your condition
- Education about at-home pain relief strategies like deep breathing, visualization, and body mechanics training so you can feel more in control of your pain and avoid re-aggravating the issue
- Non-invasive pain modalities like electrical stimulation and cold laser therapy, to trigger healing at a cellular level, reduce inflammation, and alleviate physical and mental tension
- Manual therapies like joint mobilizations and massage to improve circulation and alleviate stress and pain
As you can see, a physical therapist is able to help you relieve, resolve, and make sense of your pain. He or she can help you regain control of your health and support you as you make lifestyle changes that promote a healthier, stronger, leaner, and more comfortable body.
Are You Ready to Experience Natural Pain Relief Through Physical Therapy?
Unlike pain medications, the goal of physical therapy treatment isn’t just to mask your pain. Our physical therapist staff is here to offer a solution to your pain and help you get back to the things you love to do. Contact one of our many Ohio-based locations today.
Sources:
- https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/NewsNow/2013/10/11/DDD/
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24047821
- https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284869.php
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
- https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/priority_medicines/Ch6_24LBP.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4534717
