Physical Therapy vs Opioids: Conquer Chronic Pain with Safe Alternatives

Opioid overuse, misuse, addiction and overdose have created a national health crisis. The cost of this epidemic is staggering, not including the invaluable costs- loss of life. Injured workers may suffer injuries that require medical treatment resulting in chronic pain. Opioids can be successful if dosed responsibly and are part of an appropriate medical treatment plan, but there are alternative treatments available that can mitigate the risks associated with misuse and addiction to these drugs. The Centers for Disease Control issued voluntary guidelines that urge prescribers to consider alternatives to opioids, such as physical therapy, when treating musculoskeletal disorders. This webinar will delve into the opioid crisis and share how physical therapy and other alternative treatments can provide safe and effective recovery from chronic pain.

1 Hour of CE Credit for:

• RN, LPN, ARNP, CNA nationwide
  
• Adjuster: OR
• CA Adjuster: Workers' Compensation Post-Designation
• FL OT

 

PENDING (course approvals):

• Nursing Certifications: CCMC, CDMS, CRCC
  Adjuster: AL, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MN, MS, MT, NC, NH, NM, NV, OK, RI, TX, UT
  AAPC: American Academy of Professional Coders

 

Course Objectives:

• Understand the impact and risks of opioid prescription
  
• Gain insight into the cost of treating musculoskeletal work injuries with opioids
• Discover when to consider physical therapy and other treatments as safe alternatives to opioids

About the presenter

Michelle Despres, PT, CEAS II, CETS, National Product Leader for Physical Therapy

Michelle is a leader within the world of physical therapy discussing everything from virtual physical therapy to physical therapy as an opioid alternative. She encourages injured workers to be independent and take an active role in their recovery with the help of innovations in physical therapy. Michelle mentors clinicians to improve delivery of treatments and services and return-to-work results. She performs onsite and online continuing education, has spoken at numerous conferences throughout the country, and is featured in the industries most prominent publications.