Physical therapy is a cost-effective treatment that helps to improve mobility and relieve pain. PT has the potential to reduce a patient’s need for surgery and prescription drugs by allowing them to follow a recovery plan designed for their specific needs. Throughout the treatment, the patient is in full control and with time and patience, they should be able to get back to their normal selves again. Arguably, physical therapy should be your first option before choosing surgery or opioids.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine reported in 2015 that 2 million Americans are suffering from substance use disorders related to opioids and pain relievers. After surgery, patients are often given the option of one of the many prescription opioids to relieve pain. Some of these drugs include oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and fentanyl. When you start to use opioids, you run the risk of establishing a dependence on them to relieve the pain, quickly leading to addiction. Along with the possible addictive qualities, opioids don’t work well with other pain medications and can cause side effects like constipation, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.
Surgery is also a very risky option. There’s always a chance of further injury and the operation can weigh heavily on your mind, increasing your stress and anxiety. Possible outcomes include blood clots, infections, scarring, delayed healing, difficulties breathing, paralysis, numbness, tingling, swelling, bruising and even death. It’s important to analyze your condition first to see if it’s something that can be fixed with a more natural method.
Physical therapy won’t have any of the negative effects that come with prescription drugs or surgery. You’ll be doing physical exercises and stretching to strengthen your body which in many cases can solve your issues keeping you away from drugs and the knife.
At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we have a professional staff that specializes in a wide range of physical therapy treatments. We provide each patient with whatever unique needs they require for healing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.