HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY COUNTERS THE PROBLEM.
It’s important to get real about the reason people seek prescription painkillers in the first place -- the pain. These patients are not to be condemned for seeking relief for injuries, arthritis and other degenerative conditions, or for post-surgical discomfort. At the same time, however, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that medications like Percocet, Vicodin, Opana, and OxyContin are extremely addictive. Physical therapy, on the other hand, is so effective because it provides a multi-pronged attack to pain relief. First, therapists can help lessen the immediate pain through heat or ice therapy, lasers, as well as low-pulse electronic equipment. Targeted massage and gentle stretching also ease extreme discomfort when tension or stiffness is part of the problem. In addition, physical therapy works to eradicate the actual source of your pain. So, if weak muscles aren’t supporting an aching body part, for example, your therapy will address this underlying cause. Flexibility moves can also contribute to pain relief because stiffening joints often exacerbate discomfort, or lead to over- reliance on nearby, overstressed muscles. When “PT” is Better than “Rx”. It’s important to remember that not every prescription is bad or dangerous and that you don’t
GET PT FIRST! The Average Cost of Physical Therapy vs. Other Healthcare Expenses: Are you wondering whether your pain should be addressed with PT first? We will give you a thorough evaluation of your specific condition. Should our trained staff determine that physical therapy can make a real difference in eradicating your pain, we’ll give you an honest timetable and a safe strategy to avoid prescription painkiller overuse. The “risk vs. reward” question tilts more heavily toward “risk.” There are certain diseases that cause intense pain and for which opioids help patients to function, or at least to remain comfortable. But when the condition could be better managed with physical therapy or other treatment, as opposed to addictive pills, the “reward” of taking the painkillers doesn’t merit the risk. have to “suck it up,” refusing all painkillers. But there are specific conditions under which the CDC recommends trying physical therapy first: The pain has persisted for three months. After the 90-day mark, pain is considered chronic, meaning that painkiller use would also hit the dangerous 90-day mark. This can certainly lead to addiction. The source of the problem is in the knees, back or hips, or stems from fibromyalgia. Physical therapy has proven especially effective in these situations.
IMMUNITY BOOSTING TIPS
1. Wash your hands. 2. Avoid touching your face with your hands. 3. Decide to get up and get moving. 4. Make a habit of 20-30 minutes of physical activity a day. 5. Maintain a nutr i t ious diet heavy on fruits and vegetables. 6. Take essential vitamins such as Vitamin C, D, and B6. 7. Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep each night. 8. Don’t smoke. 9. Drink plenty of water. 10. Take time to stretch.
11. Take frequent breaks for breathing exercises. Inhale and exhale deeply. 12. Cont i nue your home exercise program 2-3 times per week. In order to be healthy, there needs to be a large emphasis on movement. When your body is flexible, strong, well-balanced, and fueled by a nutritious diet, it is able to fight infection and reduce the impact of viruses. We are dedicated to helping you live the best life you can. During this time, if you cannot make it to your physical therapy appointments, continue your exercises at home. We care for you and remember, you are part of our Nebraska Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Family.
10 Physical Therapy Visits
$1500
$2611
1 MRI 2 Night
$3852
Hospital Stay 1 Year Supply of Opiods
$6754
Make Your Choice PT First! Call (402) 721-1112
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