Stop Abusing Opioids, Try Physiotherapy

The abuse of opioids such as OxyContin, Hydromorph Contin, Percocet, and OxyNEO is a serious problem in Canada that affects the health and economic wellbeing of its population. The consequences of opioids abuse not only affect the abuser, but also the economy and its surroundings. Unintentional Percocet overdose deaths in Canada is a continued problem. There is also evidence suggesting that there is a relationship between increased opioid abuse and heroin abuse.

To address the issue of Percocet addiction in Canada, it is important to not only tackle the negative impact of opioids abuse on general health and mortality rates but also to preserve the role of these prescription pain relievers in reducing human suffering. This is where physiotherapy comes in, as it is able to strike a balance between providing pain relief while lowering the associated risks that come along with prescription opioids.

What is Physiotherapy?

This type of physical therapy helps to restore one’s movement and everyday abilities after being affected by injury, a disability, or an illness. Physiotherapists help people through movement and exercise, education, manual therapy, and advice. They are able to work with people of all ages to maintain proper health and manage pain, while also preventing further disease.

Physiotherapists help facilitate recovery, allowing people to remain in their profession while helping them to stay independent. This science-based profession takes a holistic approach to healing, which includes each individual patient’s lifestyle. The patient is very involved in their own treatment through empowerment and participation in their healing. This type of natural healing can help with issues such as back pain, sudden injury, managing asthma, and even preparing for childbirth.

How can Physiotherapy help pain?

Chronic pain often leads to the prescription and abuse of painkillers. Percocet addiction may take over your life, leading to the loss of jobs, friends, money and family. Although doing exercises rather than taking pills may not sound pleasant, it can actually be one of the most effective pain management options for you.

One goal of physical therapy is to help patients who are in pain become stronger because their muscles are likely to atrophy if they are not in use. As a pain treatment, physical therapy teaches people how to safely move and function in ways that they otherwise would not.

What are some methods of this type of physiotherapy?

There are many methods to this physiotherapy at Pro Fusion Rehab. Some of these include:

Stretching
Manual traction
Manual therapy using hands or tools on soft tissue
Soft tissue therapy
Mobilization
Manipulation of joints and bones
Ultrasound therapy
Interferential electro therapy
Injury prevention education
Posture and balance education
Acupuncture
Manual lymphatic draining
Shockwave therapy, which sends alpha waves to the brain to increase serotonin and dopamine levels to naturally alleviate pain
Kinesio Taping techniquesTherapeutic exercises

There is a lot to offer in these specific treatments. Certain exercises could involve a gentle walk on the treadmill or swimming in a pool. It depends on each individual’s pain and abilities. A therapist works with each patient to determine the cause of their pain and the best methods to use to manage it. This one-on-one attention is not the same as the one size fits all fix that a regular doctor prescribes through a pill. A physical therapist, rather, can tailor to your individual needs and talk to you about pain issues as you are learning and practicing your exercises.

How about chronic pain?

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common disabling disorders that leads to people missing work and increases economic costs. Every year, billions of dollars are spent on the management of lower back pain.

Comprehensive pain management involves many types of interventions, including this type of physical therapy, the use of medications, surgery, and alternative treatments. Studies have shown that for chronic back pain in particular, therapeutic aquatic exercise is the most beneficial method of treatment.

While this is not enough treatment for every case, patients are given a test to predict their probability of becoming dependent on painkillers, leading to a possible Percocet overdose. In order for a patient to be a suitable candidate for long-term prescription painkiller treatment in addition to continued physical therapy, the personal must have high scores in their chemical health, psychological health, social support, and reliability.

Patients with a low score are not considered to be good candidates for long term opioids, leaving them with the need to find alternate care with a physiotherapist. While some patients are still prescribed opioids to help manage their chronic pain, these prescription drugs will not aid in the healing of their bodies, they will only mask the pain temporarily.

How do I choose the right Physiotherapist?

Choosing the right physiotherapist in Pickering or Milton, Ontario is an essential part of your healing. Pro Fusion Rehab offers first-class patient care, working with people towards their individual recovery and health.

Their mission is to give patients the most effective treatment with the most affordable services. Their multi-disciplinary team has extensive experiences in relieving pain without the use of opioids.