Opioids or Physical Therapy? You Choose.

pain medications or physical therapy greensboro

Why aren’t we talking about physical therapy as an alternative to the opioid problem? Why isn’t it even a part of the conversation?

The Media Problem

I was listening to the Diane Rehm Show today on the Opioid problem and the CDC’s new guidelines and I recall no mention of pain education (not education on opioids) or hands-on treatment or exercise as alternatives for people who have acute and/or chronic pain.

The Opiod Problem

The problem with opioids is well documented. It’s basically taking Heroin in a pill.

They can cause constipation, are addictive and people overdose on them and die.

In 2014 more than 47,000 Americans died from a drug overdose.

Yes, opioids can reduce your pain, but they do nothing to SOLVE the problem.

I think the statistic is that 50% of people with low back pain go see a physician and of these people 50% are prescribed opioids and only 7% are prescribed physical therapy or referred to a physical therapist!

What You Can Do About It

Most people don’t even know they can see a physical therapist 1st without a referral or prescription.

Physical Therapy is a great option and in our practice you can see us directly without waiting to go see your physician or surgeon 1st.

There is a lot of research that physical therapy, exercise, massage combined with pain science education is just as effective if not more so than medications, injections and surgery.

The trouble is most people think their problem will be solved with a pill or that there is a quick fix. Physical therapy can be quick and easy, but only if people know ALL of their options and patients get to a physical therapist 1st or within a few weeks rather than after surgery or month and years later.

Help Yourself or Someone You Love

Please share and comment below about your experience:

Opioids or Physical Therapy: Which would you choose?

If you are living with pain, don’t want to take medications, want to stop taking them and want to do something else about it call our office today 336-271-6677 to speak with our pain specialist about your options.

About The Author

Aaron LeBauer

Dr. Aaron LeBauer is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. He owns LeBauer Physical Therapy, LLC, with his wife Andra, in Greensboro, N.C. He has been helping active people stay fit, active and healthy without medications, injections or surgery since 1999. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Elon University in 2008. Dr. LeBauer graduated from Duke University in 1996 with a B.A. in History and moved to San Francisco where he studied Massage Therapy and Health Education at the National Holistic Institute. He has specialized in Myofascial Release since 2000 and is an Instructor with the John F. Barnes MFR Seminars. A native of Greensboro, Dr. LeBauer returned in 2005 to continue the third generation of LeBauers as health care professionals in Greensboro. Dr. LeBauer helps weekend warriors, high level athletes, desk jockeys, students, children and anyone with pain, stiffness return to the activities the love without expensive imaging, pain medications, injections or surgery. He specializes in treating people with chronic conditions, pain and injuries which have not responded to traditional treatments and therapies with the goal of helping patients have less pain, move better and feel wonderful in their bodies. Dr. LeBauer also helps other physical therapists start and grow successful cash-based physical therapy practices. He has developed an online training course that describes in detail how to start a small private practice, along with his marketing secrets and strategy. He is currently available for recorded telephone and video coaching sessions, email support, on-site visits and speaking engagements. Contact him for more information, rates and services.. Dr. LeBauer enjoys riding one of his vintage Vespa and Lambretta scooters or his bicycle to work. He has raced bicycles since high school and as a category 1 amateur throughout the United States. He was based out of Northern California and North Carolina and spent a very memorable summer racing in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. He enjoys working in his garden and has an edible landscape including pears, apples, scuppernogs (native muscadine grapes), raspberries, blueberries, figs, various seasonal vegetables and shiitake mushrooms. He has two beautiful daughters and an amazing wife.

Sandy Reiser
Reply March 18, 2016

Thank you for the work you do and the options you provide.
- Aaron LeBauer
  Reply April 1, 2016
  
  Thanks Sandy! I really appreciate your comment and compliment.