Reducing Opioid Abuse: Motion Is Lotion

In an innovative move, researchers at the Division of Physical Therapy at West Virginia University School of Medicine have created a model of care for doctors of physical therapy students to consider. Their mission involved looking at how to implement movement interventions throughout care to reduce opioid abuse and misuse.

Instead of turning to medications for pain management and risk opioid abuse, faculty members encourage students to promote healthy physical activity in general and specific movement therapy as needed throughout the recovery process.

“I think it comes back to movement,” said lead author Anne Swisher, PT, PhD, professor and director of scholarship development in the department of physical therapy at West Virginia University School of Medicine. “One of the catchphrases we like to use is, ‘Motion is lotion for the joints.’ And we know that regular physical activity releases the body’s own opioid chemicals. That’s the so-called ‘runner’s high’ that makes us feel good. Physical therapists can partner with people to work through their barriers to becoming more physically active.”

Learn more about this research in PTJ (2021; 101 [2]).

See also: Exercise and Pain: Teaching Clients to Follow the Signs