WHY #CHOOSEPT?
In recent years, National Physical Therapy Month has also focused on the alternative PT offers over opioids. With opioid abuse at an all-time high -- and tragic overdoses on the rise -- alternatives to this class of prescription medication are even more important. The National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that opioid prescriptions have quadrupled in recent years. Yet, the number of people reporting chronic pain has not gone down. Of course, many people who have conditions like back injuries or arthritis already understand that physical therapy can increase their range-of-motion. But aside from adding flexibility, physical therapy is a viable way to reduce acute and chronic pain. Prescriptions certainly have a valid place in pain management, and it’s true that physical therapy isn’t right for every patient. So how can you tell if physical therapy is a better choice than prescription opioids? The CDC suggests that if you fall into any of these categories, physical therapy can be beneficial: • Pain comes from fibromyalgia, low back pain, knee arthritis or hip arthritis. These conditions in particular are known for responding well to physical therapy when it comes to pain management. • The pain has lasted more than 90 days, meaning that it has gone from “acute” to “chronic.” • The benefits of prescription opioids don’t outweigh their risks. In the early days after an injury or an operation, painkillers help patients function without crippling pain. But with each day that passes, the risks opioids pose outweigh the rewards. • If you’ve become afraid of the pain. Obviously, nobody welcomes physical discomfort. But some people become overly dependent
on a pill’s ability to remove all aches and twinges. In physical therapy, pain is a way to determine exactly what needs to be worked on, in order to reduce discomfort down the road. Does an official month really matter, given that physical therapists are out there making a difference every day? In many ways, yes! If you or a loved one has been on the fence about giving PT a chance, the many stories you’re likely to hear during this month of public awareness may help you to decide. If you have any questions about whether you should #UsePhysicalTherapy, call our office today to discuss your condition and to set up an evaluation. Sources: https://www.moveforwardpt.com/ChoosePT/Toolkit https://www.moveforwardpt.com/choose-physical-therapy-over-opioids-for-pain-management- choosept https://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Detail/physical-therapy-vs-opioids-when-to- choose-physica https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160645.php https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-physical-therapy-month-october/
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graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions with a doctorate degree in physical therapy. She has worked in multiple settings in both Idaho and Connecticut, but her passion is in working in outpatient clinics where she uses personalized approaches for each patient to help them achieve their goals. She has advanced training in the use of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and has used it extensively to helpmany with joint pain, especially in the spine. Emily loves going on adventures with her husband, Jason. Some of those include snorkeling, hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, exploring caves, fishing, visiting historical sites, and of course, long walks on the beach. As new residents to New Mexico, they can’t wait to see what else is in store! Robert, DPT, PT
STAFF SPOTLIGHTS
Rodrigo Quevedo, DPT, PT Rodrigo was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He grew up playing tennis, soccer, and golf and has always had a passion for sports and the great outdoors. After high school, Rodrigo attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a focus on Motor Behavior and a
doubleMinor in Psychology and Sociology. He then attended the University of Texas at El Paso and graduated with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Since graduation, Rodrigo has worked in various settings in Texas, New Mexico, and Washington state but his primary interest is the outpatient setting where he has had the opportunities to evaluate and treat a multitude of diagnoses. Rodrigo’s treatment philosophy is patient-centered – he seeks to deliver competent, evidenced-based care with a specialized focus on holistic wellness. In his free time, Rodrigo enjoys golfing, hiking, cycling, hot yoga, spending time with family, reading books/current events, and traveling domestically and internationally – having traveled to 20 countries to date. Emily, DPT, PT
Robert grew up in southern Texas in a city called Pharr. Robert enjoys playing guitar in his spare time, watching sports, going on hikes, and playing with his dog Einstein. He became interested in physical therapy later in his life as he had the privilege of taking his father to physical therapy after having both of his knees replaced. Robert went to The University of Texas at El Paso in order to obtain his Doctoral of Physical Therapy degree. Robert also is
Emily grew up in Southeastern Idaho surrounded by potato fields. She became interested in physical therapy after watching her sister go through extensive therapy for her shoulder. She later
very excited to help the communities of El Paso and Las Cruces. Robert’s passions include sports, orthopedics, and vestibular. He also enjoys getting to know patients and helping them get back to the things they love to do.
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