This episode provides real answers to the opioid epidemic! 130+ people die a day in the U.S. from opioid overdose and 2 million a year have an opioid use disorder. 

Dr. Penrose discusses topical and oral CBD & natural supplement products that have favorable research with many decreasing inflammation by at least 50% and decreasing pain without the addictive side effects.

A few products to mention: Thymenol (black cumin seed + Pcynogenol), Cannabiquin (CBD + Thymoquin/black cumin seed), OPC-3 combination of Proanthyocyanidins natural anti-inflammatories (pycnogenol, grape seed extract, citrus & bilberry extracts), Omega 3s (decrease inflammation by 50% when taking 3,000-4,000mg), Curcumin extreme (tumeric extract  and oils). 

Dr. Penrose also discusses TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and how those units interrupt pain signals traveling to the spinal cord and brain while also causing a release of endorphins.  Penrose Physical therapy can help show you how to use one and decrease pain.  

Dr. Penrose also discusses how pain changes our brain in a way that is surprising.  Chronic pain changes the ability of the brain to discriminate left from right.  Therapy can show you how to work on left-right discrimination which will bring pain down without “hurting” and also work into Graded Motor Imagery.  The neuroscience research in the last few years shows that the brain really can start to create a pain memory that we may have to help you overcome at therapy.   

Lastly, it physical therapy is a great option to pain management because showing patients how to move with less pain is so helpful in decreasing stress and pain to manage life.  We’ve had so many patients that were surprised at how the right exercises and changing mechanics made all the difference for them.  We’d love to help you feel better and move better for life!