Physical Healing

Recovery Program

Physical therapy can be a welcome addition to any substance use treatment program. People addicted to drugs or alcohol are often in poor physical health, and they can gain enormous benefits from the intervention of skilled, highly-trained physical therapists. Treatment programs for substance abuse work best when they address every aspect of a patient’s overall health, and physical therapy is often required to ensure those standards are met.

Treatment for addiction usually focuses on the mental, emotional, and behavioral aspects of drug and alcohol dependency.

But months or years of substance abuse can also compromise a person’s physical health, leaving them with health conditions that also require intervention. In general, their lifestyles while under the influence of drugs and alcohol are not conducive to the preservation of physical fitness and vitality, both of which are required for the successful completion of any wellness program.

Because of the decline in physical health that a drug or drinking problem can precipitate, physical therapy can be a highly useful addition to an addiction treatment regimen.

Comprehensive, multifaceted rehabilitation programs offered by high-quality drug and alcohol rehab centers often include options for physical therapy, since the ultimate goal of addiction treatment is to help those with substance use disorders regain their good health in all its dimensions.

Physical Health Problems Related to Substance Abuse

People who misuse drugs and alcohol almost invariably neglect their health in every way imaginable—and suffer the consequences for it.

Some of the physical health problems known to be associated with substance use include:

Weakened immune systems, leading to frequent colds or regular bouts of the flu
Injuries sustained in accidents, many of which require long rehabilitation
Worsening of the symptoms of pre-existing illnesses, like diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B or C
Chronic pain (often a precipitating factor in addiction)
The onset of diseases and disorders directly caused by substance abuse, including liver disease, lung disease, arthritis, dementia, and certain types of cancers (of the mouth, throat, liver, breast, colon, esophagus, rectum, and pancreas)

Regardless of the disease or disorder, a person who must struggle with such symptoms during their substance use recovery period will see a decline in their physical, emotional, and psychological strength and resiliency, coming at a time when they need all their resources to meet the immense challenges they face.

Physical therapy will not help with all the conditions listed, but it can help with many, and is associated with better outcomes for people who enter treatment for a substance use disorder.

Types of Physical Therapy and Their Uses in Substance Abuse Recovery

There are five subspecialties of physical therapy, four of which could be relevant to people receiving treatment for alcohol or drug use disorders:

Orthopedic. For those who have musculoskeletal conditions, which include problems affecting the joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Therapy is designed to restore flexibility and lost functioning.
Geriatric. Elderly people often need specialized services to help deal with conditions related to aging. Therapy will focus on restoring mobility, reducing chronic pain, and improving overall conditioning and fitness.
Neurological. This type of physical therapy is specifically tailored to help people who face physical challenges related to neurological disorders or brain injuries.
Cardiopulmonary. Cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary disorders can limit physical activity. Physical therapy for such conditions introduces patients to activities designed to improve conditioning and endurance.
Pediatric. This is a specialty devoted to the diverse therapeutic needs of children and adolescents.

Due to long periods of inactivity and physical neglect, people battling addiction often lose flexibility, strength, and endurance. Lack of exercise, poor diet, and the overall stress of alcohol and drug abuse on the body all contribute to their poor health, and if they suffer from injuries sustained in accidents related to substance abuse their situation could be even more dire.

Elderly people with substance abuse problems are especially at risk for health complications, creating extra challenges for rehab centers tasked with bringing them back to wellness. The other group facing the highest risk for additional physical health problems are long-time alcohol or drug users—in fact, people whose substance abuse issues that have been going on for years are virtually certain to encounter physical health troubles that require medical treatment and physical rehabilitation.

Physical therapists with experience in orthopedic, geriatric, neurological, and cardiopulmonary therapy can create customized recovery plans for patients in treatment for substance use disorders, depending on the depth and nature of their maladies. Therapy will be offered as frequently as needed, at a pace that is reasonable and sustainable. HRIDAI Rehabilitation Center is always ready to serve the perfect treatment for the recovery people.

They Will Help

Amdadul Haque Parvej

Managing Director

Mahadeb Chandra Mandal

Psychiatrist and Therapist

Recovery Program

They Will Help

Amdadul Haque Parvej

Mahadeb Chandra Mandal

Call us today If you or someone you love is ready to recover once and for all