Physical Therapist Services for People With Pain

Pain is a completely individualized experience, and it is one of the most common symptoms that may lead someone to seek the help of a physical therapist or other health care professional.

In recent years, an alarming number of Americans have been prescribed opioids for pain relief. Because opioid side effects include withdrawal symptoms, depression, overdose, and addiction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends safe alternative treatments like physical therapy for most chronic pain.

Whereas opioids only mask the sensation of pain, physical therapists treat pain through movement, hands-on care, and patient education, resulting in positive side effects like improved mobility, independence, and wellness.

Choose Physical Therapy for Safe Pain Relief

• Avoid Addictive Opioids. Choose Physical Therapy for Safe Pain Management

Health and Wellness Tips

• Physical Therapy vs Opioids: When to Choose Physical Therapy for Pain Management
• 9 Things You Should Know About Pain
• 5 Tips to Avoid Chronic Pain
• 7 Staggering Statistics About America's Opioid Epidemic

Did You Know?

• CDC Recommends Physical Therapy and Other Nondrug Options for Chronic Pain
• Widespread Pain is Creating Widespread Prescription Drug Use
• Using Opioids for More Than 30 Days Could Increase Depression Risk
• Back Pain is Often Over-Treated

Podcasts

• Amplified Pain Syndromes: Treating a Pediatric Population
• Beyond Opioids: Transforming Pain Management to Improve Health
• Chronic Pain and the Role of Physical Therapy
• Cleveland Clinic Program Looks to Change First-Option for Pain
• NBA Great Grant Hill Reflects on Playing Through Pain
• Pain Does Not Discriminate, Even in Hollywood
• Understanding Pain
• Pain Matters: Bringing Chronic Pains Out of the Shadows
• Volleyball Legend Gabrielle Reece Chooses Physical Therapy, Not Opioids, After Knee Replacement

Symptoms & Conditions Guides

• Pain
• Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia

Explore other symptoms and conditions.

Additional Information

• Explore other Health Centers for additional resources on exercise, health, and wellness.