Emphasizing Therapeutic Exercise to Reduce the Need for Prescription Medications By Dr. L. Voigt Smith, PT, DPT, OCS, CredMDT
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rescription medication use has continued to rise over the past decade in the United States. As a result, American culture has become more and more drugged. Mayo reports nearly 7 in 10 Americans take prescription drugs and over half take two; 20% reportedly are on five or more medications (Mayo news releases June 2014). According to the Associated Press, traces of prescription medication have now even been discovered in our water supplies (http://www. hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/pharmawater_). Drugs certainly have a place in health care, but overuse has led to significant problems. First, the addictive nature of narcotic medications continue to destroy many individuals with chronic pain. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, emergency department visits involving abuse of pharmaceuticals (either alone or in combination with another drug) increased 98.4 percent between 2004 and 2009. In efforts to manage pain, more and more people appear to be heading to the prison of dependency (http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugPages/Stats.html). Second, it’s important for the consumer to carefully consider the risks versus the benefits of medication. As an example, very commonly prescribed medications for high cholesterol are Statins (i.e. Crestor and Lipitor); their use is controversial as well as the perceived need to lower high cholesterol levels. Research has
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indicated Statin medications often create muscle pain, muscle weakness and wasting; they also can reduce the benefits of exercise, as well as increase risk of other medical disorders (Dr. Mercola, Joseph, 2010 & Thompson P, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2013). These drugs reportedly also have not been shown to make people live longer. Comparatively, research shows lifestyle changes (including therapeutic exercise) lead to a reduction of 4 out of 5 heart attacks in men (American College of Cardiology, Sept, 2014). Next, a barrier to lifestyle change is the desire for so many to use medication as a “quick fix” and not to focus on good balanced lifestyle and effective time management. For those who watch television, drug company multi-media (direct-toconsumer) advertising has greatly capitalized on this path of least resistance. Yet another barrier to change often is restrictive chronic pain and fear. A licensed doctor of physical therapy can be a relatively low cost solution. These health care professionals are highly trained to evaluate (as well as diagnose and treat) many musculoskeletal and neurological disorders while effectively educating patients
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and reducing fear of movement. Good PT empowers individuals to be more functional and active, often breaking cycles of chronic pain. Besides improving quality of life, this can result in significant cost savings in medication, as well as downstream medical diagnostic testing and invasive procedures, especially with direct access and in cash-based settings. Next, consider the illuminating words of Thomas Edison: “The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” Physical therapy adaptive movement interventions often are the best medicine and need more emphasis in our heath care culture. As an inventor, I believe Mr. Edison would have appreciated the impact and potential of the patented Backsmith Selective Stabilization Support on health care (backsmithsupports.com). For many, this unique tool helps significantly reduce pain, while improving strength and functional stability. Unmet needs are the mother of invention. To conclude, good lifestyle is all about good informed choices and time management. All of us have a responsibility to be proactive with our health. Consider how physical therapy can add quality of life to you or someone you love. Finally, it’s important to make time for wellness. In the words of Earl of Derby, “Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.” Dr. L. Voigt Smith is the owner of Backsmith Advanced Physical Therapy in Weston (backsmithpt.com) and is the inventor of the Backsmith Selective Stabilization Support (backsmithsupports.com). He can be reached at 715-2985888 or by email at backsmith2009@hotmail.com.
“Where Quality Physical Therapy Movement Produces the Best Medicine.” Dr. Louis Voigt Smith PT, DPT, OCS, CredMDT
Physical Therapy Services Including: ▪ Land-based ▪ Aquatic ▪ Industrial ▪ Manual ▪ Home Health
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3409 Schofield Ave., Suite E, Weston, WI 54476 Location also in Tomahawk
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