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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Pain Management

Rehabilitation – Physical Therapy (PT)/Occupational Therapy (OT)

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The Therapist Professional Advisory Committee (TPAC) published a paper that examines the opioid crisis and focuses on how to best care for patients with chronic pain. An abstract is available for free: Physical rehabilitation therapists' perspective of the opioid crisis with evidence-based recommendations (Abstract) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

Rehabilitation Therapy evidence-based treatments include:

  • Movement therapy and exercise: therapists teach various exercises to improve flexibility, strength, core stability, endurance, and range of motion
  • Manual therapy using hands or tools on soft tissue
  • Massage and Deep Tissue Mobilization targeting spasms and chronic muscle tension
  • Manipulation of joints and bones
  • Dry Needling: a technique used to decrease pain and movement impairments through insertion of a thin needle (without medication) or injection into muscle, fascia and connective tissue
  • Pain Science Education: educating patients about the nervous system to improve pain beliefs and physical performance
  • Mind Body Strategies: use of mind-body interventions such as mindfulness training, yoga, guided imagery and Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT)
  • Modalities of electrical stimulation to nerve and muscle to alleviate pain
  • Ultrasound
  • Cold laser therapy to alleviate inflammation and pain and release endorphins
  • Microcurrent stimulation to alleviate pain