Visiting Nurse / Hospice Atlanta Blogs

#ChoosePT as an Alternative to Treat Chronic Pain

By Gina Epifano, PT, Director of Rehabilitation, Visiting Nurse

Chronic pain and the use of opioids for chronic pain management have been making headlines in recent months. Statistics show that opioid prescriptions have quadrupled since 1999, with 259 million opioid prescriptions written in 2012. That’s enough for every adult in the United States to have a bottle of pills! Overuse of opioids can lead to overdose, addiction, depression and withdrawal symptoms.

Physical Therapy: a safe and effective alternative to opioids

In response to this health epidemic, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines urging health care professionals to recommend safer alternatives to patients suffering with chronic pain. The CDC guidelines explain that physical therapy is an effective intervention for numerous conditions that can lead to chronic pain, such as low back pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has launched a public relations campaign called #ChoosePT to help promote physical therapy as a safe and effective alternative to opioids in the management of chronic pain. Opioids reduce pain by interrupting pain signals to the brain. Physical therapists not only teach pain management techniques, but also focus on improving strength, flexibility and independence through movement and exercise.

As our population ages, management of chronic pain will continue to be an issue that health care providers need to address. Nowhere is this more true than in the home health setting. An overwhelming portion of our patients are elderly, dealing with multiple chronic medical conditions. Older patients that are in pain often limit their mobility to avoid pain. This can lead to patients who become less and less mobile over time, which can actually lead to more stiffness and pain, as well as increased risks for falls. Physical therapy for homebound seniors suffering from chronic pain is an excellent alternative to prescription opioid treatment, or even in conjunction with prescription opioid treatment when it is deemed necessary.

When performing an evaluation in the home, the physical therapist will perform a medication review, assess mobility and fall risk, as well as perform a complete pain assessment. Together with the patient, goals will be discussed and a treatment plan developed. The physical therapist in the home has a unique opportunity to make recommendations to improve patient safety by performing an individualized home safety assessment.

I encourage you to visit APTA’s website for more information on how physical therapy can help manage chronic pain.

If you have questions about whether you qualify for a home physical therapy assessment to help manage your chronic pain issues, I encourage you to contact me at 404-410-7633.

 

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Visiting Nurse Health System | Hospice Atlanta was honored to participate in and sponsor this year's LeadingAge Georgia Golf Tournament—an event that brings together healthcare partners and changemakers in senior care. 

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🎉 Please join us in celebrating our Employee of the Month – Dykia Brummitt! 🌟

Dykia’s dedication, compassion, and positive team spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she cares for. Her commitment to our mission and values here at Visiting Nurse Health System shines through in all she does, and we are so grateful to have her on our team. 💙👏

Congratulations, Dykia—you truly embody what it means to provide care with heart! 🏆

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🎉 Celebrating Nurses Month continues with our incredible nursing team at Hospice Atlanta | Visiting Nurse Home Health! 💙🩺Here's our Home Health team celebrating this week! We’re so proud of our compassionate, dedicated nurses who go above and beyond every day to care for our community in the comfort of their home. Thank you for all that you do! 👏

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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us last Saturday for Hospice Atlanta's 3rd Annual Resilience bereavement event. Whether you came to listen, speak, or simply be present, your participation helped create a space of healing, support, and strength.

A special thank you to our incredible speakers, who so generously shared their stories, insights, and compassion. Your words touched many and reminded us all that even in grief, we are not alone.

To every attendee — your presence was powerful. Thank you for showing up for yourselves, and for each other. Together, we honored our losses and found comfort in community. Thank you to our gracious volunteers and staff who supported the event operations. Let’s continue to walk this path together. 💛

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Celebrating this week the incredible dedication, compassion, and resilience of nurses here at Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta and everywhere! 🌟🩺
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing unwavering support and care to patients and their families. In 2025, we continue to recognize the vital role they play in our communities and their commitment to improving lives. Let's take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for these healthcare heroes. 

Join us in celebrating Nurses Week by sharing a story of a nurse who has inspired you or by simply saying “thank you” to a nurse who has made a difference in your life.

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We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast! 
Thank you OTs for all you do!

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Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.

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As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!

Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!

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