Using Physical Therapy to Battle the Pain Killer Crisis

While often effective at treating pain, Opioids can be highly addictive, and opioid abuse has become a national crisis in the United States. Statistics highlight the severity of the epidemic, with the National Institute on Drug Abuse reporting that more than 2 million Americans abuse opioids and that more than 90 Americans die by opioid overdose every day, on average.

As physical therapists, the Strive team is always advocating the use of physical therapy and sports rehabilitation to manage and treat certain types of pain whenever possible. Physical Therapy generally consists of evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and neurological systems. Our team of physical therapists and their assistants use activities such as balance and strength training, gait (ambulation) training, therapeutic exercise, heat/ cold, electricity, and massage to reduce pain and restore the flexibility and mobility of a variety of joints. Since no medications or invasive procedures (such as surgeries) are involved, physical therapy is a great option for many patients.

It is our firm belief that if every person who experienced pain or discomfort tried physical therapy before turning to pain killers, the risk of addition would be dramatically reduced worldwide.

At Strive, we're passionate about what we do because of the amazing changes we see in our patients lives every day. Thanks to our treatment, nearly all of our patients see their pain reduced (and therefore, their need for opioids or other medications reduced). We also find that many patients are able to avoid surgeries, recover from injuries or traumas, strokes, paralysis and more. Physical Therapy can also provide many proactive benefits, such as improved balance, management of other medical problems, fall prevention and improved mobility and movement.