Information about Pain Management with Opioid Therapy

The use of opioid medication long-term for the treatment of pain is controversial. Malcolm Butler, MD, argues effectively that there is no evidence to support the use of opioids for chronic movement system pain. Daniel Clauw, MD, pain expert and director of the Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center, teaches that opioids are a distraction from better options. In our experience, these findings are true for most people.

The Caruso Methods does not support the use of opioids as a way to improve function. We have worked with many individuals who have been prescribed extra opioid medication to get through physical therapy. Contrary to this methodology, The Caruso Method includes careful attention to pacing and teaches other strategies for addressing pain all while improving quality of movement.

For modern information about how pain actually works, visit the Retrain Pain website at www.retrainpain.org.