Addiction

Physical Therapy and Addiction Treatment

Physical therapy is typically associated with recovery from injury, illness or surgery.  However addiction or substance abuse can come with similar symptoms; addiction can lead to an individual neglecting basic health which can lead to problems like muscle atrophy and weakness, nutritional deficiencies and pain.

Physical therapy has also been shown to help address mental health concerns like stress or anxiety. Many struggling with addiction will avoid seeking medical treatment, which can have the dual effect of allowing poor health to worsen. This can lead to self-medication with further drug or alcohol use.

Many patients prefer medication or other substances to manage their pain because it is easy and straightforward. Although it’s true that physical therapy requires more time and effort, it also has greater benefits than opioid medications.

Physical therapy is more than just exercise. Depending on what the patient needs, their physical therapist may teach them pain-management techniques, such as mindfulness or provide education on how pain manifests. This type of coaching can empower patients to better manage their condition, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.

Treatment with physical therapy lasts longer than opioid treatment.

Part of the reason why people build up a tolerance for opiate pain medication, or even become addicted, is because the effects of the medication wears off after a few hours. There are also possible negative effects from long-term use of opioids.

Physical therapy can reduce pain either directly, using hands-on techniques, or indirectly, as a result of increased range of motion and/or strength. The exercises, habits, and other skills that individuals learn in physical therapy may be used the rest of their lives.

Pain Management and Substance Abuse

Millions of Americans are trapped in drug abuse by real physical pain for which they are self-medicating. Whether they turned to illicit drugs because of health care costs, accessibility or otherwise, it’s not uncommon for clients struggling with substance abuse to check in to rehabilitation suffering from a musculoskeletal injury that has never been professionally evaluated or treated.

By restoring physical health, physical therapy can reduce and eliminate the daily pain that causes an individual to so heavily rely on opiates. And, by empowering these individuals to take control of their health without relying on drugs, we can restore the energy, confidence and positivity needed to face independent life with a minimized risk of relapse.

Live fully, opioid-free and substance-free.