Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is an essential component of our success at APG. We’re able to provide better outcomes for our patients through proven therapy programs - from low back pain and cervical neck pain to osteoarthritis of the knees, hip pain, ankle and other joint issues, shoulder and rotator cuff issues and more.
All APG offices feature a full suite of state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment, plus some of the finest Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants in the area to keep you focused, on track with your progress and most importantly, getting you back to living the live you deserve — pain free!
We employ a combinatorial approach to our programs, and we do it in a medically appropriate and logical order. If you’re in pain, we utilize our pain management physicians to “cool off” the pain so you can tolerate physical therapy. (Physical Therapy, by the way, is where you get better and prevent the pain from coming back!)
If you’re in need of Physical Therapy services, give us a call. We can get you in quickly and on the road to lasting pain relief and recovery.
Physical Therapy vs Opioids: When to Choose Physical Therapy for Pain Management
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sales of prescription opioids have quadrupled in the United States, even though “there has not been an overall change in the amount of pain that Americans report.”
In response to a growing opioid epidemic, the CDC released opioid prescription guidelines in March 2016. The guidelines recognize that prescription opioids are appropriate in certain cases, including cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care, and also in certain acute care situations, if properly dosed.
But for other pain management, the CDC recommends non-opioid approaches including physical therapy.
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… The risks of opioid use outweigh the rewards.
Potential side effects of opioids include depression, overdose, and addiction, plus withdrawal symptoms when stopping opioid use. Because of these risks, “experts agreed that opioids should not be considered first-line or routine therapy for chronic pain,” the CDC guidelines state. Even in cases when evidence on the long-term benefits of non-opioid therapies is limited, “risks are much lower” with non-opioid treatment plans.
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… Patients want to do more than mask the pain.
Opioids reduce the sensation of pain by interrupting pain signals to the brain. Physical therapists treat pain through movement while partnering with patients to improve or maintain their mobility and quality of life.
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… Pain or function problems are related to low back pain, hip or knee osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia.
The CDC cites “high-quality evidence” supporting exercise as part of a physical therapy treatment plan for those familiar conditions.
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… Opioids are prescribed for pain.
Even in situations when opioids are prescribed, the CDC recommends that patients should receive “the lowest effective dosage,” and opioids “should be combined” with nonopioid therapies, such as physical therapy.
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… Pain lasts 90 days.
At this point, the pain is considered “chronic,” and the risks for continued opioid use increase. An estimated 116 million Americans have chronic pain each year. The CDC guidelines note that nonopioid therapies are “preferred” for chronic pain and that “clinicians should consider opioid therapy only if expected benefits for both pain and function are anticipated to outweigh risks to the patient.”
Before you agree to a prescription for opioids, consult with a physical therapist to discuss options for nonopioid treatment.
“Given the substantial evidence gaps on opioids, uncertain benefits of long-term use and potential for serious harm, patient education, and discussion before starting opioid therapy are critical so that patient preferences and values can be understood and used to inform clinical decisions,” the CDC states.
Physical therapists can play a valuable role in the patient education process, including setting realistic expectations for recovery with or without opioids.
APG Physical Therapy — The Difference
The APG physical therapy & rehabilitation team is comprised of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants who are dedicated to treating, healing, and preventing injuries.
Unlike many other facilities, we carefully manage the patient-to-therapist ratio to ensure individualized attention and thorough treatment at each and every appointment. Our therapists and assistants consult daily with other providers to ensure that progress is being made in the rehabilitation process and that any other issues are addressed immediately ensuring a successful, positive outcome.
While physical therapy and rehabilitation can often demand a lot from the patient, we strive to make each visit upbeat and positive. Working together, we help our patients get out of pain… and stay there.
APG – A Better way to Treat Pain
APG offers a wide range of outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitative services:
Pre & Post-surgical care
Spinal Rehabilitation
Athletic/Work Injuries
Post Trauma Rehabilitation
Foot/Ankle Treatment/Orthotics
We offer physical therapy in all of our Metro East locations:
O’Fallon, Edwardsville, Swansea and Alton, Illinois. To contact the office nearest you…