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The CDC recommends safe alternatives like physical therapy to manage most pain.

APTA has been actively involved in raising public awareness about the benefits of physical therapy in pain management.

Our ChoosePT campaign won national awards, and more importantly it opened doors to conversations with other health care providers and the White House.

We continue to advocate for improving access to physical therapy to help combat the opioid epidemic.


Recommended Content

Patients With Pain: An Algorithm for Coordinated Care

Jan 1, 2021 / Resource

Rewiring the Brain to Ease Chronic Pain

May 1, 2019 / Feature

Providing a Safe Alternative to Opioids: Resources for Pain Management

Feb 11, 2020 / Article


Additional Pain Management Content

Landmark APTA Report Makes the Case for Physical Therapy's Economic Value

Sep 27, 2023 / News

The macroeconomic review of eight conditions shows how physical therapy delivers cost-effectiveness through quality-of-life improvements.

Faster Therapy Start Decreases Risk for Future Opioid Use in Knee OA Patients

Aug 7, 2023 / Review

Researchers found delayed treatment increased risks that ranged from 25% to 150% depending on timing of the first visit.

From PTJ: Psychologically Informed Practice and a 'Roadmap' for Implementation

Jun 13, 2023 / Article

In companion articles, authors explore the drivers of PiP and offer a model for its use with patients experiencing chronic pain.

PTJ Perspectives Shed Light on Psychological Factors in Care

Apr 14, 2023 / Roundup

APTA's scientific journal offers insights on hot topics in the profession. Here are three examples worth checking out.

Study: Use of Nonopioid Pain Treatment Rises Significantly From 2011 to 2019

Nov 10, 2022 / Review

Physical and occupational therapy made significant gains in prevalence for both chronic and post-surgery pain treatment.

Physical Therapy and Pain Management

Oct 1, 2022 / Feature

Many patients are returning for services after putting physical therapy on hold because of the pandemic. PTs need to be ready to assess and treat.

A Call to Action: Joe Godges Says PTs Need to Expand Their Approach to MSK Pain

Aug 12, 2022 / Interview

The next APTA Lecture Series event looks at how patients' mental impairments can affect thoughts on pain — and what PTs can do.

Study: Pre- and Post-TKR Physical Therapy Lowers Odds of Long-Term Opioid Use

Nov 5, 2021 / Review

A large-scale study found that the lowered odds are especially significant for "opioid-experienced" patients.

PTs and Biopsychosocial Treatment for Pain

Nov 4, 2021 / Podcast

PTJ talks about biopsychosocial treatment for pain.

Five Ways Physical Therapists Can Make an Impact on the Opioid Crisis

Oct 14, 2021 / Perspective

Five ways that PTs can help patients and clients who are taking opioids, or who are at risk for or already have OUD.