5 Reasons Why Physical Therapy Could Be Better Than Opioids for Pain Relief
About 100 million American adults experience chronic pain, according to the U.S. Institute of Medicine. This condition costs up to $635 billion annually.
Doctors may prescribe opioid pain medications for chronic pain. However, these drugs are highly addictive and can create many other problems.
Research shows that physical therapy can be a healthy, helpful alternative to opioid medication. Here are some reasons why:
- Physical therapy is not addictive like opioids.
Opioid pain medication, of course, is highly addictive. However, even if a person does not become addicted, they can still build up a tolerance to opioids, requiring a higher dose for the same relief.
Physical therapy is not addictive, and can even help reduce the use of opioids.
- Patients have fewer side effects and health risks with physical therapy.
Besides addiction, opioids carry a long list of possible side effects that range from the mild to the potentially fatal.
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Itchiness
- Confusion
- Depression
- Reduced breathing rate
- Increased tolerance and physical dependence
Opioids are not recommended for pregnant women, and even mild side effects can prevent someone from functioning at their best.
The side effects of physical therapy are much milder—usually soreness and discomfort—and depend on the type of therapy.
For example, someone who had knee surgery may feel sore after physical therapy, but ongoing therapy sessions and proper exercise should reduce this discomfort over time.
- Physical therapy is more individualized than opioid medication.
There are a variety of opioid medications, but they generally function in the same way: by binding to the body’s opioid receptors and reducing the brain’s response to pain.
In contrast, physical therapy involves many different treatments and activities tailored to each patient’s needs. A patient with chronic pain may receive condition-specific education, manual therapy, and correctly dosed exercise as some of the treatment options.
By working with a physical therapist, patients with severe or long-lasting pain can develop a flexible, personal plan that they can follow successfully.
- Physical therapy provides healing for both the body and mind.
Many patients prefer medication 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, as well as provide education on pain science. 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.
Live fully, opioid-free.
Our dedicated team of physical therapists provides coaching and education to help prepare you for a life free of addictive opioids. With a personalized therapy program, the FYZICAL team in Short Pump, can help you gain confidence in managing chronic pain.