A 2017 report from the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly suggests the opioid crisis now impacts more older adults. Physical therapy can be an effective first step in addressing many common sources of pain, like those in the back, knee, and shoulder.
In fact, a study published in the May 2018 Health Services Research found that people with low back pain who first consulted a physical therapist were less likely to receive an opioid prescription compared with those who went to a primary care doctor first. A therapist works with you to create individualized exercises, stretches, and body alignment positions that help relax tight muscles, decrease back and joint pain, and improve range of motion.
Yoga and mind-body therapies have also been shown to help with specific types of pain.
Published: November, 2018
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/the-drug-free-approach-to-pain-management