Over the Counter Medications and Physical Therapy
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What is Over the Counter or OTC Medication?
Over-the-counter medicine is also known as OTC or nonprescription medicine. All these terms refer to medicine that you can buy without a prescription. They are safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label and as directed by your health care professional. (From FDA.gov)
OTC meds
What Medicine is Best for Physical Pain?
Over-the-counter medications, which you can buy without a prescription, are good for many types of pain. Examples of these medications include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin (Bayer). Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is good for relieving minor pain, headache and fever. Aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These reduce inflammation caused by injury, arthritis, or fever. NSAIDs also relieve pain associated with menstruation, dental pain, and headache. (From Drugs.com)
Click to Read about Turmeric For Inflammation.
How Much Should I Take Per Day?
Be sure to always relay use of OTC medications to your primary care to avoid any interaction between OTC and prescribed medications. You should always follow instructions provided on the back of each medication to determine safe dosage.
When Should I Use OTC Medications and Physical Therapy?
OTC pain medication can be used either before or after physical therapy treatment. Proactive use of medications and physical therapy can help decrease pain levels during treatment. If pain is present following a physical therapy session, OTC pain medicine can be used to reduce symptoms. If medication is taken during physical therapy, it may not have time to enter the system to effect your pain. Therefore taking medication during physical therapy or exercise is not recommended.
What Are Risks with OTC Medications?
- The medicine you are taking could interact with other medicines, supplements, foods, or drinks
- Some medicines are not right for people with certain medical conditions. For example, people with high blood pressure should not take certain decongestants.
- Some people are allergic to certain medicines
- Many medicines are not safe during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, check with your health care provider before taking any medicine.
- Be careful when giving medicines to children. Make sure that you give your child the correct dose. If you are giving your child a liquid medicine, don’t use a kitchen spoon. Instead use a measuring spoon or a dosing cup marked in teaspoons.
Can Consistent Physical Therapy Eliminate the Need for Pain Relievers?
Physical therapy can help eliminate the need for long term use of pain relievers. Your physical therapist can help evaluate, treat, and explain the underlying causes of your pain.
If you have pain or an injury, the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute can help. To schedule an appointment with a JOI Orthopedic Doctor, call (904)JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below. To see a JOI Rehab Therapist in 1 of our 12 locations, call (904)858-7045.
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