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The opioid epidemic has ruined lives and communities in the United States. Properly dosed, opioids are appropriate in some cases. But there are serious risks with long-term opioid use. Given those risk, the CDC recommends safer approaches like physical therapy for the management of most chronic pain.
Opioids are a class of drugs that includes:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin).
- Oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet).
- Oxymorphone (Opana).
- Methadone.
Why See a Physical Therapist for Pain?
Opioids only mask the feeling of pain. Physical therapists treat pain through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. Physical therapy offers positive side effects like improved mobility, independence, and wellness.
In response to the opioid epidemic, the CDC released guidelines calling for safe alternatives like physical therapy for most pain treatment.
You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.
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Additional Opioid Use for Pain Content
Mar 16, 2016 | Did You Know?
With the overuse and risks of opioids for the treatment of chronic pain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends nondrug approaches such as physical therapy to manage chronic pain.
Sep 12, 2019 | Podcast
After many years of opioid dependency, Justin Minyard was introduced to a balanced approach to pain management, including physical therapy, and regained control of his pain and his life.
Nov 26, 2019 | Did You Know?
As America continues to fight the opioid epidemic, the Department of Health and Human Services has issued new recommendations to help patients who have been on long-term opioid therapy.
Oct 17, 2019 | Podcast
After 50 surgeries for Crohn's disease, Ryan Hodgkinson had chronic pain, an opioid addiction, and depression that led his sister and physical therapist to intervene.
Apr 30, 2019 | Podcast
What is pain and what are the most effective and least harmful ways for health care providers to address it?