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Hello Friends of Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy,

Welcome to the summer, hot temperatures, and fun in the sun! We hope that this newsletter finds you well. The summer season is upon us, and we all look forward to enjoying this time with our loved ones in beautiful northern Colorado. Please give us a call if there is anything we can do to help you get the most out of your summer.

Sincerely,
Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy Staff
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Physical Therapy News

CDC Recommends Physical Therapy  and Other Nondrug Options for Chronic Pain

With overuse of opioids for the treatment of chronic pain becoming a national public health epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines that recommend nondrug approaches such as physical therapy over long-term or high-dosage use of addictive prescription painkillers.

"Nonpharmacologic therapy and nonopioid pharmacologic therapy are preferred for chronic pain," the guidelines state (" CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain - United States, 2016" - March 15, 2016). "Clinicians should consider opioid therapy only if expected benefits for both pain and function are anticipated to outweigh risks to the patient. If opioids are used, they should be combined with nonpharmacologic therapy and nonopioid pharmacologic therapy, as appropriate."
While there are certain conditions - including cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care - where opioid prescription for chronic pain may be appropriate, the CDC cited numerous cases where opioid use could be significantly reduced or avoided altogether.
"The contextual evidence review found that many nonpharmacologic therapies, including physical therapy, weight loss for knee osteoarthritis, psychological therapies such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and certain interventional procedures can ameliorate chronic pain," the guidelines state. "There is high-quality evidence that exercise therapy (a prominent modality in physical therapy) for hip or knee osteoarthritis reduces pain and improves function immediately after treatment and that the improvements are sustained for at least 2-6 months. Previous guidelines have strongly recommended aerobic, aquatic, and/or resistance exercises for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. Exercise therapy also can help reduce pain and improve function in low back pain and can improve global well-being and physical function in fibromyalgia."
Physical therapists partner with patients, their families, and other health care professionals to manage pain, often reducing or eliminating the need for opioids. Research has shown that a simple education session with a physical therapist can lead to improved function, range of motion, and decreased pain.
Before you agree to a prescription for opioids, ask if physical therapy might be right for you.
The American Physical Therapy Association launched a national campaign to raise awareness about the risks of opioids and the safe alternative of physical therapy for long-term pain management.  Learn more at our #ChoosePT
CDC Recommends Physical Therapy and Other Nondrug Options for Chronic Pain. (2016, June). Retrieved from  page . http://www.moveforwardpt.com/DidYouKnow/Detail.aspx?cid=cd52bad5-f4a3-4f1f-a387-9cd4a3bc1842.

Clinic Closed July 4th
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All clinics will be closed on July 4th (Monday), 
to allow us to spend time with our families.
Don't forget...
We offer FREE 30 minute consultations!
Come in, ask questions and let us help YOU!!

Our Locations

Fort Collins Club

1307 E Prospect Rd, 
Suite 120
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: 970-568-8461
Fax: 970-460-0136

Anytime Fitness

1159 Main St,
Suite A
Windsor, CO 80550
Phone: 970-460-0066
Fax: 970-460-0136

Banner Health

222 Johnstown Ctr Dr

Johnstown, CO 80534
Phone: 970-460-0066
Fax: 970-460-0136

Centerra
1605 Foxtrail Drive
Suite 217  
Loveland, CO 80537
Phone: 970-460-0066
Fax: 970-460-0136