PT Handbook: Physical Therapy- The Best Alternative to Opioids

Welcome! The PT Handbook is a physical therapy newsletter discussing all things physical therapy/sports medicine. This newsletter is an extension of our philosophy at Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC where our patient population includes combat athletes and gym lovers. We are a PT private practice that prides itself on providing true one on one service.

This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world. If you have questions about the field of physical therapy or need to schedule an appointment (virtual/in person), contact us with the link below!

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC

www.artofpt.com

PT Handbook Conversation: Physical Therapy vs. Opioids

Don’t you just love our quick fix “modern” society we have created for ourselves? Looking for a quick fix builds mental and physical resilience as I always say. Just kidding. I never say that. I say the opposite.

Anyways, let’s talk pain pills. The good stuff. I mean the terrible stuff. These pills have more side effects than ChatGPT can compute. So why do people prefer pain meds over good old fashioned physical therapy? The quick fix mentality is strong in our “modern” society.

Research has shown many times over the past few years how comparable physical therapy is in terms of pain relief when compared to opioids. Just google it, many pubmed studies will come up. What’s even more eye opening is all the studies coming out on how many orthopedic surgeries (basic knee, back, hip and shoulder surgeries) aren’t better than physical therapy for pain anymore. Crazy how adaptable the human body is right?

The point of this newsletter is to discuss what physical therapy is and it’s side effects. And how it can be a powerful alternative to more drastic measures (pills and surgery). In a very general sense, physical therapy is a combination manual therapy (hands-on treatment by the physical therapist), a regimen of individualized rehab exercises and specific patient education about the causes of your specific pain and how to lessen it. Lifestyle modifications are also discussed with your physical therapist.

What are the side effects? No danger of addiction, will not cause depression or overdose symptoms, overall lower cost to constant medications, treats root cause pain not just a band-aid over the pain and finally able to learn lifestyle habits to prevent pain in the future (through being more skilled with exercise and movement).

Such scary side effects! The scarier the better I say. So why don’t more people try it? Why are people afraid of playing the long game? There is no quick fix for the human body. Stop looking for it and allow your body time to heal. This goes for any type of therapy. You will get better and lessen your pain. Try physical therapy for your pain/injury first. I dare you, you might just avoid serious medical problems from medications or even an unnecessary surgery.

Talk Soon,

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC

www.artofpt.com