Choose PT

American Physical Therapy Association

October is National Physical Therapy Month.

This year’s campaign is #choosePT

No one wants to live in pain. But no one should put their health at risk in an effort to be pain free.  Since 1999, Americans have increasingly been prescribed opioids-painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin, Opana, and methodone, and combination drugs like Percocet.

In some situations, dosed appropriately, prescription opioids are an appropriate part of medical treatment.  However, opioid risks includedepression, overdose, and addiction, plus withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging health care providers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safe alternatives like physical therapy.

Don’t just mask the pain. Treat it.

Choose physical therapy to manage your pain without the risks and side effects of opioids.

What can Physical Therapy do?

Opoids only mask the sensation of pain, physical therapy treats it through movement.

Here’s how:

Exercise. Physical Therapists prescribe exercise to address your deficits and pain. Studies show that people who exercise regularly have less chronic pain.

Manual Therapy. Physical therapists may use joint manipulation or mobilizations, the Graston Technique, soft tissue mobilizations, dry needling, as well as other strategies for treatment. Studies show that hands-on manual care is superior to passive treatments such as electrical stimulation or TENS.

Education. Pain is a complex, multi-system sensation. Pain can be present even without tissue damage. Understanding how pain works and how it is caused can help you reduce it and abolish it.

Teamwork. Creating a positive relationship with your physical therapist via open communication and being an active participant in your treatment increases your chances of success and reaching your goals.

Come in to Professional Physical Therapy and Training, located on the first floor of the Madison Area YMCA.

We’ve got contests and prizes to give away daily.

Come in and find out just how physical therapy can help you.