Physical Therapy vs. Pain Medication: Which Option is Better?

Have you been suffering from your recent injuries? If yes, then you have been weighing some of the options to manage your pain through physical therapy or medications.

Both options can help to alleviate pain, but opting for physical therapy Boise to determine the main cause of the problem and deal with it is a better option.

Why? Apart from keeping us active, it also provides us with long-term relief and helps with mobility and flexibility.

What is Physical Therapy?

This type of rehabilitation uses different approaches to improve function and mobility. The main goal is to help patients regain physical movement or strength after illnesses or injuries.

Physical therapists mostly use various interventions. These include manual therapy, targeted exercises, and modalities like electrical stimulation and ultrasound.

Moreover, they enlighten patients on different approaches to improving physical health, preventing further injuries, and managing pain. These experts also use hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercises, functional training, and manual therapy.

Pros

• Individualized plan—Depending on the evaluation, personalized treatment plans are created. These plans include manual therapy, stretches, exercises, and other methods to address the main cause of pain.
• Educational component—Patients are often enlightened on their health, proper strategies for managing pain, and how to exercise correctly. This, in turn, empowers them to take active roles in their journey to recovery.
• Assessment – A physical therapist will carry out a thorough assessment. This assessment helps evaluate patients’ condition, including underlying causes and mobility limitations.
• Pain reduction— Physical therapy helps to reduce pain by improving flexibility, joint function, and muscle strength. Moreover, the approach teaches patients body mechanics to prevent recurring pain.

Cons

• It consumes a lot of time
• It Requires more effort to get results
• It’s not effective for some injuries or conditions, like those requiring more invasive treatments or surgery

Medications

Medications are common approaches for pain management. They may include prescription medications and OTC (over-the-counter) drugs. These drugs often work by minimizing inflammation or altering the perception of brain pain.

Pros

• Prescription options – For serious pain, a physician can prescribe effective opioids.
• Symptomatic relief—Drugs give relief by reducing pain perception. OTC drugs, including acetaminophen, are often used for moderate or mild pain. However, they can also be helpful for chronic or severe pain.
• Short-term solution – Pain medications are short-term solutions and might not address underlying causes of pain. Using some medications in the long term may result in dependency issues and side effects.
• Anti-inflammatory properties – A few pain medications, like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), target inflammation and are effective for pain linked with inflammation, like arthritis.

Cons

• Risks of addiction and dependence
• Many negative side effects, like cognitive impairment, constipation, and respiratory depression

In conclusion, medications are helpful in therapeutic processes for patients unable to do daily life or vital tasks. However, it is more efficient and cost-effective in the long term to consider physical therapy.

Unlike the temporary relief that pain medication provides, physical therapy benefits are enduring. Plus, the knowledge we gain by doing exercises will stay with us forever.