WHY #CHOOSEPT?
• 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.
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.”
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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HAVE YOU MET YOUR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE?
FROZ EN BANANA POPS
Do you have a family insurance plan? Have you had surgery this year? Have you used your insurance more than usual? If you answered yes, you are more likely to have a $0 balance remaining on your out-of-pocket expenses. This means the cost could be minimal or completely covered by your insurance plan. Let us help you get a head start going into 2021, before your deductible renews again!
• 4 bananas, peeled and cut into thirds • 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 3 tbsp toasted pecans, finely chopped • 12 wooden popsicle sticks
Insert 1 stick into each piece of banana. Arrange bananas on a plate or flat pan and freeze at least 3 hours. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate in 30-sec. intervals, until melted and smooth, stirring in between intervals. Let cool slightly. Working with 1 banana at a time, dip into melted chocolate to coat, then immediately sprinkle with toasted pecans. Place on a sheet of parchment paper until set. Repeat with remaining bananas, chocolate, and toppings. Return to freezer until ready to eat.
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