Tips For Taking Medication When Going Through Physical Therapy
If you're going through physical therapy for an injury, you could be curious about the details of taking pain medication during this time period. These are a few guidelines and helpful hints that you should keep in mind.
Your Need for Medication Might Be Reduced
One exciting thing that many people don't know about physical therapy is the fact that it can actually be very effective for pain relief. Even though this might not be the case right away, you might find that over time, your need for pain medication is actually reduced or eliminated. Therefore, it's a good idea to monitor your pain and talk to your doctor about changes in your pain levels as you go along. Then, your doctor might reduce the dosage of your pain medication, might tell you to start taking it less frequently or might switch you to a different medication altogether. For those who are interested in getting off of some of their pain medication, such as those who are concerned about the possibility of addiction or who are worried about the side effects of pain medication, going through physical therapy can be a great place to start.
You May Need to Take it Before or After Physical Therapy
In the long run, physical therapy can help you reduce pain and get off of your pain medication. Right now, though, you might find that it actually makes you a little bit sore. This is normal, although it's not something you should ignore or suffer about in silence. Let your physical therapist know about your pain level during and after your physical therapy sessions; then, he or she can make sure that you're experiencing normal soreness and discomfort and can adjust the exercises that are done during your sessions accordingly. Also, don't be afraid to ask your physical therapist or your doctor if it's okay to take some type of pain medication, whether a prescribed medication or an over-the-counter medication, before or after your sessions to help you deal with the discomfort and soreness a little more easily.
For many people, taking pain medication and going through physical therapy are normal parts of dealing with the aftermath of an injury. The two are actually related in many cases, but knowing the things listed above and communicating openly and often with your doctor, your physical therapist and anyone else who might be involved in your recovery can be helpful. Contact a clinic, like Hands-On Physical Therapy , for more help.
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