The overprescription of painkillers in the past decade has lead to a staggering number of overdoses, ravaging communities across America. With the nation in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, doctors and patients alike are looking for alternatives to pain management. If you are facing chronic pain, it’s important to know that you have options. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control published a new set of guidelines for doctors treating patients managing pain. The CDC found that “opioids should not be considered first-line or routine therapy for chronic pain,” and instead urged “nonpharmacologic” treatments, like physical therapy. This is a big step in the right direction, but people living with pain have plenty of questions. How
do you know if physical therapy treatment is right for you? IT DEPENDS ON THE INJURY Physical therapy excels at addressing many of the most common conditions at the root of chronic pain. But don’t take it from us. Citing “high-quality evidence,” the CDC found that physical therapy for hip or knee osteoarthritis reduces pain and improves function immediately after treatment and that the improvements are sustained for at least 2–6 months. If you are unsure whether physical therapy is the right fit for your injury, talk to your doctor or a trusted physical therapist. IT DEPENDS ON YOUR GOALS Part of the more pernicious problem with opioids is that they
never actually treat anything. While the powerful drugs can mask pain, they don’t help your body physically recover. That’s why physical therapy can be a great alternative or addition to an opioid prescription. Rather than covering up your symptoms, therapy can get you moving and feeling better. When you suffer from chronic pain, it can be easy to feel trapped in your situation. That’s why it’s important to realize you can take action and find relief without the risks associated with extended opioid use. If you have been dealing with any sort of pain, please reach out to us. We’d be happy to evaluate your situation and help you understand if physical therapy is the right avenue for you!
Sudoku
Inside-Out Grilled Ham and Cheese
INGREDIENTS • 8 slices of bread
• 8 ounces ham, thinly sliced • 1/2 pound Swiss cheese, sliced • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard • 1/4 cup apricot preserves
(Pullman works best) • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (preferably Parmigiano- Reggiano)
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Butter each slice of bread on the outsides and sprinkle with Parmesan. 2. Layer ham and cheese evenly on top of 4 slices of bread. 3. Spread apricot preserves and mustard across the other 4 slices. Press sandwiches together. 4. In a skillet or large sauté pan over medium heat, grill sandwiches until golden, about 3 minutes per side. 5. Cut in half and serve.
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