The opioid crisis is a dark storm, threatening to engulf our healthcare system. As the thunder of addiction and overuse continues to roar, there’s a beacon of hope. Orthopedic surgeons are stepping up, employing new strategies to combat this crisis. They are leveraging non-drug treatments, like physical therapy Lawrenceville, to effectively manage patients’ pain. This blog sheds light on these strategies, offering us a glimpse of the silver lining in the grim cloud of the opioid crisis.
Orthopedic Surgeons And Their Role In Pain Management
Orthopedic surgeons face a unique challenge. They need to manage pain but avoid feeding the opioid crisis. To do this, they are turning to non-drug treatments. One of these treatments is physical therapy.
The Power Of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a powerful weapon in pain management. It can reduce the need for opioids. It can also help patients recover faster. The National Institutes of Health has shown that physical therapy can lead to improved function and less pain.
A Comparison Of Pain Management Strategies
Let’s compare physical therapy and opioids. Both can manage pain. But, physical therapy has fewer risks. See the table below.
| STRATEGY | RISKS | BENEFITS |
| Physical Therapy | Low risk of injury | Improved function, Less pain |
| Opioids | High risk of addiction, Side effects | Relief of severe pain |
The Future Of Pain Management
The future of pain management is moving away from opioids. Orthopedic surgeons are leading this change. They are using physical therapy to combat the opioid crisis. More and more, they are turning to these non-drug treatments. The storm of the opioid crisis is still there, but there is a beacon of hope.
