Whether from injury, illness, or surgery, pain is something we all must deal with at some point in our lives. When the pain is chronic or severe, it sometimes isn’t enough to just “grin and bear it”.  Sometimes, we need something more to help us tolerate it. Unfortunately, oftentimes this means relying on medication – usually opiate-based. This pharmaceutical approach to pain management does little to nothing to treat the actual root cause of the pain; it simply temporarily masks the symptoms. Even worse, pain medicine can introduce some dangerous and unnecessary risks to your life.

The Risks of Relying on Pain Medication

Pain medication can be a tremendous help in temporarily alleviating pain, but it does nothing to treat the underlying cause. Relying on this temporary relief rather than addressing the cause of the pain can often delay healing and prolong your need for pain treatment.

We also know that there are several potential side effects and risks associated with over-the-counter and prescription pain medications. We often here of an “opioid crisis” in the United States, and this is not an overstatement. This type of pain medicine can be highly addictive, and even careful users are at risk of developing a dependency. An opioid addiction can end up being far more destructive than whatever pain you were treating. Even over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are known to have some undesirable side effects, including stomach pain and indigestion – even an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in some rare cases¹.

Another unfortunate truth about pain medication is that its effectiveness can decrease over time. Developing a tolerance can lead to a need for increased dosages. This, of course, also increases the risk of addiction and unwanted side effects.

How Physical Therapy Provides a Safer Alternative

When people think of alternatives to pain medicine, they may not often consider physical therapy, Too often, we think of PT as a means of rehabbing from an injury or regaining functional mobility after surgery. In truth, physical therapy has been known to be a safe and effective means of pain management for many years².

One of the many benefits of physical therapy is that it can be used to treat the root cause of the pain, so instead of simply masking the pain and hoping for it to go away on its own, you are actively treating the pain at its source. Patients can often feel some pain relief after their very first session. Since your physical therapist will provide a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs and abilities, it also empowers you to play an active role in your pain management at home in your own time.

Physical therapy can have some side effects, but unlike medication these side effects are positive. They include things like stronger muscles, more flexible joints, and improved mobility. Physical therapy provides long-term, personalized pain management that can help you build strength and resilience and possibly help prevent future injuries.

When is Physical Therapy a Good Choice for Pain Treatment?

Physical therapy can be a safe and effective alternative to pain medication in many cases. It is often used to treat chronic pain conditions like chronic joint pain or back pain. It can also be a great treatment for degenerative conditions like arthritis. Of course, PT is a fantastic option for recovery after injury or surgery, not just for pain management but for restoring your bodies strength and mobility. It can also be an effective treatment for postural issues and movement dysfunctions.

Physical therapy will be a safer long-term solution in nearly every case. Even if you only use physical therapy as a supplement to pain medication, by addressing the root cause of the pain it may actually reduce your need for medication and the amount of time you are on it.

If you are experiencing pain and taking or considering medication as a treatment option, you should strongly consider reaching out to a physical therapist. Their professional guidance may place you on a path toward safe, long-term pain relief and away from the dangers of pain medication.  

Sources:

1. “ NSAIDs.” NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/nsaids/. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
2. Care, Supplemental Health. “The History and Impact of Physical Therapy – Supplemental Health Care.” Supplemental Health Care – Supplemental Health Care Is a National Leader in Employment and Workforce Solutions for the Future of Behavioral Health, Education, and Healthcare Services., 15 Mar. 2023, shccares.com/blog/allied-health/history-and-impact-of-physical-therapy/.