Prevention

Alternative Methods for Chronic Pain / Pain Management

Did you know there are alternative methods to manage your chronic pain? There are ways to manage/control your chronic pain that don’t involve the use of prescription opioids. Some of these alternative treatment methods may actually prove to be more effective than opioid use and have fewer risks and side effects.

​***Disclaimer: These alternative treatments may have different results depending on the individual. Please contact your primary care physician for additional information or possible contraindications***

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Research has shown that regular exercise can ease pain long term by improving muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. Exercise may also cause a release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Some exercises are easier for certain chronic pain sufferers to do than others.

Meditation / Yoga

Mediation and Yoga has been shown in clinical trials to reduce chronic pain by 57 percent, and some experienced meditators can reduce it by over 90 percent. Meditation and Yoga help shift your focus to something quiet and calm, reducing inflammation and pain.

Acupuncture / Acupressure

A number of studies suggest that acupuncture works particularly well on chronic pain such as back and neck pain; osteoarthritis/knee pain; and headache. It often reduces the incidence and severity of tension headaches and may prevent migraines.

Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique similar in principle to acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through “meridians” in the body. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians.

Massage

Massage therapy helps relieve tension and stress, aids in easing muscle and joint pain, improves sleep and provides many other benefits that can help alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychological, goal-directed approach, in which patients learn how to modify physical, behavioral, and emotional triggers of chronic pain and stress. This has been proven to help patients change the way individuals view their pain.

Aquatic Therapy / ​Wat-Su

Aquatic Therapy is a form of treatment that is performed in water for the purposes of physical rehabilitation, fitness, relaxation, and other therapeutic benefits. Most commonly, a qualified aquatic therapist gives guidance to a person receiving treatment. Aquatic therapy can also be self-guided.

Wat-Su is a form of aquatic treatment that promotes rehabilitation and deep relaxation. Treatment involves a one-on-one session with a therapist that gently cradles, stretches, moves, and massages the individual. Wat-Su has profound benefits to individuals who experience chronic pain and helps with the effects of trauma, both physical and psycho-emotional, with therapeutic application for SCI or similar injuries.

If you believe you may be struggling with addiction, tell your health care provider OR call the Opioid
Use Disorder (OUD) Referral Line Hotline: 1-888-688-4222 Arizona OAR
Hotline is available 24/7.