Patients and their caregivers may approach physical therapists with questions about medical marijuana. This idea seems logical given that cannabinoids may have synergistic effects with various rehabilitation goals such as decreasing pain, inflammation, and spasticity. Physical therapists likewise play an important role in medication management, including their role in providing education about specific medications.
In a recent column published in Physical Therapy (PTJ), Charles D. Ciccone, PT, PhD, FAPTA, writes that the growing prevalence of medical marijuana means that PTs should be aware of the marijuana options available to their patients, potential benefits for certain conditions, and possible adverse effects on “cognition, coordination, balance, and cardiovascular and pulmonary function.”
Johanns Gammel, PTA, works with a patient who has multiple sclerosis (MS) producing often “horrible” leg pain. The twitching and spasms in the legs, even when sitting in the wheelchair, make it difficult for Gammel to follow a physical therapy plan of care. “Medical marijuana (MMJ) helps ease his symptoms,” says Gammel.
With the use of marijuana, “sometimes, the spasms, twitches, and pain subside within 1 minute,” Gammel says. “This allows me to stretch his legs, which are tight from the disease and from his being in a wheelchair. The effects of MMJ help him get the proper manual therapy in accordance with the PT’s plan of care in order to be able to move.”
References
Physical Therapy is the “secret” to better, faster, natural and more affordable pain relief. In 2017, well-known physical therapist and clinic owner, Dr. Michelle Wolpov, PT, DPT, MBA, ATC, CSCS, released the book, “Direct Access to Physical Therapy: The Secret Revealed – How To Relieve Pain & Restore Function WITHOUT Medication, Injections or Surgery” to educate the public about the benefits of self-referral to physical therapy. This book is the first of its kind, to use evidence-based research to validate why a physical therapist is the most qualified to treat pain and musculoskeletal problems, how direct access saves patients time, money, and yields better results, and how to start treatment immediately, without a physician referral. Start your journey to a pain free life today! Available on Amazon for Paperback and Kindle.
For more of Dr. Wolpov’s tips, updates, and the latest information about physical therapy for patients and professionals alike, follow Game Shape Physical Therapy and ThinkPTFirst on Facebook and Instagram.
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We are a group of contributing physical therapists, patient advocates and physical therapy students campaigning for natural, affordable pain treatment without medication, injections or surgery. There are many alternatives to relieve pain permanently that you have access to right now. Our mission is to educate the public about these alternative treatment options and to help you live your best life starting right now!
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