Physiotherapy over Painkillers: A comparison guide for guaranteed pain relief

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction,’ as one says, describing the laws of motion. However, the statement holds true in the context of the human body as well. The human body is a complex mix of brute muscles and bones that render strength and, at the same time, an intricate network of nerves, plasma and enzymes. A balance of these elements keeps the body in equilibrium. Often in our lives, this balance is disturbed due to unforeseen accidents, natural ageing or lifestyle choices. This deviance is understood by the body in the form of pain. On these lines, knee-pain, joint-pain, back-pain etc have become common with a majority of people in their youth, adult and old age. This article puts forward a reasoned debate between the dichotomy of usage of painkillers and the physiotherapy programme to counter bodily disjuncture. In doing so, the article contextualizes the discussion within the COVID pandemic and pushes the dialogue of digital physiotherapy programmes to avert problems like shoulder pain, back pain, elbow problems, injuries, postures and discomforts.

The Dangers of Over-Reliance on Painkillers

Lack of awareness, shortage of time, limited consultation and negligence leads to people opting for painkillers to curb the distraught in their bodies. This seems like an easy way out but it is only a matter of time that people realize the temporal nature of painkillers. The pain returns, even stronger, while the body gets accustomed to the previous dosage of the medicines. This automates a cycle of unregulated dosages and haphazard agony in the body. As per a leading medical journal on Arthritis, the side effects of painkillers are too hard to ignore, and due deliberation is required to push the discourse towards alternative medication. The effects of painkillers extend beyond your body's inherent capacity to manage pain and your central nervous system. The effects of addiction and reliance on painkillers can spread throughout your entire body. The abuse of these painkillers leads to your Liver storing the toxins from the drugs, which leads to life-threatening liver damage. Psycho-chemical disorders, medicinal resistance, side effects in respiration, circulation and libido become a part of everyday life as a result of painkillers. On the other hand, a stress-free, metabolic disjuncture towards pain relief is guaranteed through physiotherapy.

The Timeless Benefits of Physiotherapy for Pain Management

Now, consider a scenario of people living in the early 1930s. Before the second world war1 and the advent of painkillers, people relied upon active conditioning of the body to get rid of soreness, stretches and pains in the human body. While one can argue that the general physiological aspects of humans are superior to the present situation because of the lifestyle and the challenges of geography, this process of therapy was evident at times of crisis. The importance of physiotherapy over conventional painkillers could be analysed from this stream of thoughts discussed in the previous paragraphs. Physiotherapy as a means to counter pain is not a new science. Historical antecedents suggest the practice have existed as far as 500 BC. It is only with the advent of painkillers and the new engineered medicine that physiotherapy has taken a backseat in the treatment of bodily disorders.

Versatility of Physiotherapy Programmes for Different Needs and Conditions

Physiotherapy is not just a remedy, it is a way of life. It caters to different needs and choices of people. Age and pain-specific programmes help to strengthen the core and overarch the disturbing anomalies in muscles, joints and bones. A guided programme specific to the needs and extent of the pain induced in the body can overcome a variety of issues. Physiotherapy serves the needs of athletes recovering from sports injuries, old-age people, young adults suffering from lifestyle-induced challenges on the body as well as people recovering from major and minor accidents. Physiotherapy has an answer to all types of pain across age, gender and issues specific grievances.

Digital Physiotherapy as a viable option for pain relief during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be a serious challenge to the health sector around the world. The respiratory disorders have created havoc in the medical fraternity. The COVID induced lockdowns have forced people to stay within the ambit of their homes for a long time. The severity and frequency of waves have further disconnected people from regular medical services. The lack of mobility among people would render an increased burden on the non-communicable. The fear of transmission and the lockdown protocols make physiotherapy a viable option to consider through digital means. In the present scenario, within minimal bodily expenditure on activities, a painkiller can prove to be disastrous for the human body. Availing physiotherapy through digital means fills the void of medical insights. Moreover, numerous exercises in the physiotherapy domain do not require external help. This minimizes the additional burden of visiting clinical stores to continue the rewarding practice in the long run. It is important to note that physiotherapy takes time. The progress is slow but fruitful. It helps in building a suitable bodily response against the pain and renders an everlasting impact on the physique. On the other hand, painkillers are a temporary solution and prove to be detrimental to the body.

The debate between physiotherapy and painkillers should be understood front the outcome produced through both means. Centre for Disease control and prevention cites “high quality evidence” in support of Physical Therapy for pain or function problems related to low back pain, hip or knee osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia. While painkillers provide immediate relief, saves time and energy in lieu of acute bodily response, physiotherapy conditions the body in the long run. Living in a difficult world, in times of crisis, it becomes important to see the larger picture owing to availing medical services. Digital physiotherapy services are the need of the hour and should be considered for devising maximum impact in the discourse of pain relief.