Physical therapy knows your pain

Commentary by Maj. Melissa Rose, Physical Therapy Flight Commander

Did you know that October was designated as National Physical Therapy Month? This year, Physical Therapists around the nation are using their month to raise awareness about the human toll on the opioid epidemic.

Since 1999, the amount of opioids prescribed per person in the US has tripled, to the point where statistically we could medicate every American continuously for three weeks. Along with this, unintentional overdoses on opioids have also tripled.

Lastly, did you know that if you are Active Duty and on opioids or any class 3 narcotics for more than three months, you will likely have to face an MEB?

Physical Therapy is an amazing tool that can help you overcome pain. Randomized controlled studies have proven that exercise is one of the most effective treatments in overcoming acute and chronic pain.

Also, did you know that as of January 2015, all states have granted Physical Therapy direct access capabilities?  This means that all patients have the capability to seek some level of treatment from a licensed physical therapist without a prescription or referral from a physician.

For Little Rock Air Force Base, the 19th Medical Group Physical Therapy Clinic will evaluate and treat any personnel on active-duty status with a musculoskeletal injury or pain. All you have to do is call our clinic to make an appointment.

We also provide running analysis clinics to all Active Duty, retirees, and dependents. These services are also scheduled at the Physical Therapy clinic.

Finally, we also provide semi-custom insoles for all DoD beneficiaries, you may walk-in for this service, free of charge. Our therapists are skilled in orthopedics, sports medicine, dry needling, and spinal manipulation, to name a few of our specialties.