“Physical therapists are key to overcoming not only the opioid epidemic but in creating healthier societies,” the surgeon general said.  Wise words from PT News from American Physical Therapy Association PT in Motion News:

If you think the physical therapy profession has an important role to play in improving public health on multiple fronts, you won’t get any arguments from US Surgeon General Jerome Adams, MD, MPH. In fact, you might get the rhetorical equivalent of a high-five.

In an address that repeatedly cited the APTA’s community-building mission, Adams told his audience of association leaders that the profession is “well-positioned to change the culture around pain management” in the United States and that “we know that physical therapy is going to be a part of” the evolution toward value-based care. The remarks were delivered as part of the APTA Component Leadership Meeting, an event that preceded the 2019 APTA Combined Sections meeting being held in Washington, DC, January 23-26.

Adams focused on the opioid crisis and the physical therapy profession’s role in addressing it, with an emphasis on the importance of involving and educating communities on nonopioid alternatives to pain management, and compassionate care and treatment of individuals with addictions. It’s a concept Adams is extending to public health in general through what he calls “better health through better partnerships.”