Do you use opioids to relieve pain? You’re not alone, though. Every year, over 200 million prescriptions for opioid pain medication are written in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has even issued guidelines on the subject, recommending safe non-drug alternatives like physiotherapy.
According to a recent study published in Health Services Research, people who saw a physiotherapist prior to other treatments were 89 percent less likely to require an opioid prescription.
Contact Physiomed Vancouver to request an appointment with a physiotherapist before taking another pain reliever. We want you to know that physiotherapy can help you manage chronic pain safely and naturally.
Physiotherapy can help you manage your pain without the use of drugs, giving you the opportunity to wean yourself off opioids.
If you are in pain, please contact our clinic to make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists.
What are opioids and why are they dangerous?
Opioids are powerful pain relievers that are frequently prescribed to treat severe chronic pain. Traditionally, they are derived from substances found in the poppy plant.
Prescription opioids are pain relievers that are frequently prescribed to block pain signals and to treat moderate to severe pain. These substances can also be addictive.
Opioids like morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone can often relieve pain when milder drugs can’t, making them a popular choice for cancer pain, acute injuries, and severe neurological or musculoskeletal pain. Because they can cause euphoria or unconsciousness, they are a highly abused substance in both legal and illegal forms (such as heroin).
Opioids function by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other body structures. Opioids occupy these receptors, preventing them from receiving pain signals. Simultaneously, opioids cause the release of large amounts of dopamine, a substance that induces feelings of pleasure.
Regular use can lead to dependence and the need for higher and more frequent doses. Opioids can impair your ability to breathe and result in a fatal overdose.
Opioids are not the same as over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and aspirin. Oxycontin and Vicodin are the most commonly prescribed.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
Opioid use disorder is a medical condition that occurs when a person is unable to stop using opioids. When an individual is physically dependent on opioids, they typically experience withdrawal symptoms such as sweating and cravings.
Drowsiness, weight loss, changes in sleep habits, flu-like symptoms, changes in exercise habits, and isolation are other symptoms.
How can physiotherapy help to reduce the need for opioids?
According to a JAMA study, the majority of people see a physiotherapist for musculoskeletal conditions that cause back, neck, knee, and shoulder pain.
Researchers discovered that people who saw a physiotherapist were less likely to be prescribed opioids. “This study provides early evidence that the CDC guidelines may help decrease long-term opioid use,” said one of the study’s contributing researchers, Steven George, PT, PhD. “The most important takeaway is that early physiotherapy may be a viable option for several musculoskeletal conditions, particularly if long-term opioid use prevention is a treatment goal.”
If you are experiencing issues such as addiction, depression, or physical side effects from opioid use – or if you are determined to avoid such issues – you should consider physiotherapy.
You should also consider physiotherapy if
- You have a chronic, incurable pain condition that would otherwise necessitate a lifetime of opioids.
- Your discomfort is musculoskeletal or neuromuscular in nature (as opposed to cancer pain, for instance)
- You prefer to treat the underlying cause of the pain rather than simply numbing it.
A physiotherapist is a healthcare movement expert who uses specific exercises, hands-on care, and education to help patients reduce pain and improve their quality of life.
A physiotherapist evaluates the patient thoroughly and develops an individualized treatment plan that addresses the source of the pain. Patients experience pain relief, increased mobility, and a return to normal daily activities.
A physiotherapy treatment plan entails a lot of steps. It frequently incorporates both active and passive modalities. Targeted exercises and stretching are examples of active modalities.
Ice and heat therapy, electric stimulation, ultrasound, massage therapy, and stabilization methods are examples of passive modalities.
Say goodbye to opioids and hello to long-term relief.
Opioid prescriptions should be avoided if you are in pain. The dangers outweigh the benefits. Instead, consider seeing a physiotherapist. Our physiotherapists are certified and have extensive experience. They’ve assisted many others and can assist you as well.
Please contact Physiomed Vancouver to schedule a one-on-one consultation and evaluation.
