As a physical therapy patient, you’ve probably learned that physical therapy takes an alternative approach to rehabilitation. Instead of prescribing medicine and sending you on your way, physical therapists take the time to assess whole-body health and guide you through healing exercises and therapies. Many find this approach to be far more effective for its personal touch and focus on self-sufficiency.
So, can physical therapists prescribe medication? No — and they don’t want or need to! Our therapists at Park North Physical Therapy provide more details about this frequently asked question below.
Physical Therapist Guidelines for Prescribing Medication
Under New York law, physical therapists cannot independently possess prescription medications. In other words, they can’t keep medicine in their practice to give to you during an appointment.
Neither may physical therapists administer drugs through the most common methods. They can’t give IV medications or ask you to swallow a pill.
The one exception to “Can physical therapists prescribe medication?” is the use of medicinal ions. Physical therapists are allowed to administer medicinal ions to provide treatment for injury, disease, or disability.
Why Don’t Physical Therapists Typically Prescribe Medication?
One of the main goals of physical therapy is to relieve pain and heal injuries without the need for medication or surgery. It’s a non-invasive treatment approach. With physical therapy, you may be able to avoid an otherwise necessary surgery or invasive treatment.
Prescribing medication would never be a physical therapist’s first course of action for treating your injury. Are you already taking medication to manage pain? Don't worry — your physical therapist will work with you to wean off that medication. You’ll find pain relief through manual therapy and other treatment methods, no longer needing medication to mask your pain.
Alternative Treatment Methods Without Medication
Can physical therapists prescribe medication? Not usually, but that’s because they don’t rely on medication to alleviate your chronic pain and improve your quality of life.
Physical therapists use a wide range of treatments instead of resorting to medication. Your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan that tackles your injury from multiple angles, providing comprehensive, long-term relief.
Interested in ditching the pain meds? Reach out to Park North Physical Therapy today to learn more about the following therapies we offer.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a hands-on therapy in which a physical therapist manipulates your joints and muscles. The goal is to improve your range of motion, tissue extension, and flexibility, ultimately relieving pain.
Exercise Programs
Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises that strengthen the muscles around your injured area and improve your balance and range of motion. These exercises may use equipment like foam rollers, free weights, treadmills, resistance bands, or therapy balls.
You’ll complete some exercises in the clinic while your therapist monitors your form. Your physical therapist will also send you home with a list of exercises to complete between appointments to maintain and streamline your progress.
NEUBIE Therapy
NEUBIE therapy uses low-amplitude electrical currents to stimulate the nervous system and injured muscles. It can improve your muscle function and range of motion and lower pain levels without medication.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy streamlines tissue healing and reduces inflammation through focused light energy. It uses precise wavelengths to stimulate tissues and speed up healing. Physical therapists use it to treat conditions like:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Disc herniation
- Sciatica
- Tennis elbow
Seek Comprehensive Treatments From Park North Physical Therapy
So, can physical therapists prescribe medication in New York? Unlike other health care practitioners, physical therapists don’t prescribe medications, as this aligns with their goal of reducing the need for medications in holistic healing. They use other treatments to guide you toward long-term healing so that you no longer need to rely on meds for pain relief.
At Park North Physical Therapy, we use a wide range of physical therapy treatments to relieve your pain, improve your range of motion, and heal your injuries without medication. Book an appointment today by calling 212-222-6525.
