An notable article published (and shared Timely by a great colleague) tells us how Physical Therapy is underutilized with arthritis, while unbelievably, in 2019, trends in Opioid prescriptions continue to trend up.
The scare consumers and health care providers should all share is the false advertising associated with these opioids.
As example, in 2009, PainKnowledge.com, who at the time was sponsored by Endo Pharmaceuticals, claimed that “People who take opioids as prescribed usually do not become addicted". So what happened? In 2017, more than 60,000 people died of overdose, and over 2/3'rds of them related to Opioids. Fast forward to last month, where Endo Pharmaceuticals paid out $10 Million Dollars to Ohio for over 2000 lawsuits filed.
More states are to come.
You don't have to look farther than a simple internet search to see more on big pharm payouts, misleading advertising, deals with websites, and lawsuits related to opioids.
In fact, you only have to look out your window into your hometown, it has affected all our our cities and communities.
As Physical Therapist, we have a large hill to climb in our fight against opioid addiction. We can all start by providing education to our customers, doctors, healthcare providers, with the safe solutions that sit at our fingertips.
We have the tools....as example; Electrical Stimulation may not get a sore back better, but gives relief for short term, much like opioids. Ultrasound wont get a stiff shoulder better, but can heat up a capsule to make the stretch more manageable, resulting in decreased pain medication use.
We can't be shy about using the tools, providing our knowledge, and being part of a solution for a nationwide problem. We are a proven safer alternative for pain and recovery, we'd be crazy not to use the tools we have been given.
Reference: https://www.medpagetoday.com/rheumatology/arthritis/82635
Robert Babb, PT, MBA
An IvyRehab company, PTW is staffed with Physical Therapists who have earned the Direct Access Privileges (no prescription needed) at The Physical Therapy and Wellness Institute with locations in Lansdale, Quakertown, Montgomeryville, West Norriton, Glenside, Harleysville, Souderton, Hatfield, Horsham, Collegeville, and Royersford, PA. Since 2002, PTW has helped folks achieve higher levels of function or performance providing evidence based care with industry best experiences.
Refer
yourself today at 215 855 9871 to see any of our PT providers for
preventative the proven safe help with your aches and pains, no prescription is
needed.
