October is typically a month filled with the beautiful changing of the leaves, Pumpkin Spice Lattes and the occasional scary movie in preparations for Halloween. October is not supposed to be a month for something scary like pain.
Even though we’re a multi-specialty outpatient rehab clinic, our beginnings stem from Physical Therapy. All month long, we’re committed to spreading the positive effects of Physical Therapy in the community, while combating the idea of prescribing opioids for pain as the only solution.
Also, Americans continue to be prescribed and to abuse opioids at alarming rates – leading to prescription pain medication abuse and dependency.
Here are a few staggering statistics regarding the opioid epidemic in America:
- 1-out-of-4 patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain end up misusing them
- Roughly 9% of patients develop an opioid use disorder
- An estimated 5% of patients who misuse prescription painkillers transition to heroin
- About 80% of people who use heroin, first misused prescription painkillers
We will carry on raising awareness of physical therapy as a safe and effective alternative to opioids for the long-term treatment of chronic pain.
People who struggle with chronic pain are urged to try alternatives to opioids, and October would be a great month to try physical therapy, one of the evidence-based, non-addictive, and very effective alternatives to prescription medications.
To schedule an appointment or get a free consultation by one of our licensed Physical Therapists, fill out a simple form here or give us a call at 248-565-4000 today!
