Skip to main content

The most common diagnoses associated with an opioid prescription are related to musculoskeletal pain. For physical therapists, that means we are likely to encounter patients who are using opioids chronically, or who are at risk of or currently have opioid use disorder. Recognizing this, APTA's ChoosePT campaign emphasizes physical therapy over the use of prescription opioids for the management of painful conditions and health care pathways that include musculoskeletal pain management by a physical therapist may protect patients against initiating opioids.

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.


You Might Also Like...

Article

Physical Therapy in the News: November 2025

Dec 3, 2025

"Physical Therapy in the News" is a monthly series that highlights recent media coverage of the profession and APTA members.

News

Landmark APTA Report Makes the Case for Physical Therapy's Economic Value

Sep 27, 2023

The macroeconomic review of eight conditions shows how physical therapy delivers cost-effectiveness through quality-of-life improvements.

Review

Faster Therapy Start Decreases Risk for Future Opioid Use in Knee OA Patients

Aug 7, 2023

Researchers found delayed treatment increased risks that ranged from 25% to 150% depending on timing of the first visit.