Opiods vs. Physical Therapy
Opiods vs. Physical Therapy By Kristin Anderson, PT, DPT, OCS, CLT The opioid epidemic came to a head in March of 2016 when the CDC released opioid prescription guidelines. These guidelines were established after the sales of prescription opioids quadrupled without increased reports of pain by Americans (APTA, Move Forward). The guidelines recognize that opioids are appropriate in certain situations including: “cancer treatments, palliative care, end of life care and certain acute care situations” (CDC). However, many patients who suffer from persistent pain were started on opioids in the past and continue to struggle with pain control. So [...]
October is National Physical Therapy Month
October is National Physical Therapy Month Avoid Addictive Opioids: Choose Physical Therapy for Safe Pain Management #ChoosePT No one wants to live in pain. But no one should put their health at risk in an effort to be pain free. Doctor-prescribed opioids are appropriate in some cases, but they just mask the pain—and opioid risks include depression, overdose, and addiction, plus withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. That’s why the CDC recommends safer alternatives like physical therapy to manage pain. Physical therapists treat pain through movement, hands-on care, and patient education—and by increasing physical activity you can also reduce your risk of [...]
Taking Control of Your Pain: Part 2 The Pain Management Toolbox
Taking Control of Your Pain: Part 2 The Pain Management Toolbox Does your pain define you? When you have been in chronic pain for several years, it can feel like it does! Additionally, chronic pain management occurs best with a team approach. But, what happens when you start to feel better? How can you take what you have learned from your healthcare providers and apply it to your life to continue practicing self-care as you decrease your treatments? This blog is part 2 of a series in which we will unravel what patients can do to manage their [...]
Taking Control of Your Pain: Part 1
Taking Control of Your Pain: Part 1 Pain. Even reading the word evokes a negative feeling for most people. This can be especially true when a person has been dealing with pain for several months or years! Pain is a protective mechanism. Without pain we would not be able to live. However, when pain becomes chronic, it no longer protects us and often hinders our day to day activities. Chronic pain consumes people’s lives. Often people have numerous tests and appointments with different specialists trying to find the source of their pain. With all this back and forth, [...]
Depression in Patient with Chronic Illnesses
Depression in Patient with Chronic Illnesses For patients living with depression and other mental health disorders, physical therapists can address physical limitations and help to establish a regular exercise routine that ensures continued benefits. Science shows that the human brain releases endorphins during exercise that help reduce pain and make living with a chronic illness more manageable. As physical activity increases, patients often see self-esteem, energy levels and body image follow an upward trajectory as well. “Since I’ve been coming to PTS, I feel like I have my life back again and a plan!” — D.B. Centennial Physical [...]
#METOO
#METOO By Kristin Anderson, PT, DPT, OCS, CLT Have you noticed the “Me Too” campaign occurring on Facebook? The campaign is designed for women to post “Me Too” if they have experienced any form of sexual trauma in their lives. If you have seen the campaign, what where your initial thoughts? Did the number of women who posted surprise you? Did you yourself post or did you privately know you had experienced sexual trauma as well? Regardless of your response, did you know that 1 in 3 women experience sexual assault in their lifetime? In addition to emotional [...]
