New Florida Law Requires Public Education on Using Massage for Pain, Not Painkillers

A new law here in Florida now requires public education on massage as an option for pain relief.

While our therapists and our clients have long known about the positive effects massage therapy can against pain, the state of Florida is promoting awareness for alternative pain management to combat the rising use of and dependence on opioids.

We couldn't agree more.

The simple fact is, "painkillers" are proven to provide relief for a variety of pain symptoms. You will recognize these drugs by their more common names – oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone and others.

However, whether prescribed or illegally, opioid uses can lead to addiction, abuse, introduce dangerous side affect and even lead to death from overdose.

Opioid use and abuse is on the rise and is the subject of ongoing news coverage nationwide. It also hits home here in Florida ruining the lives of users, their family and friends.

So what are the alternatives? How can states like Florida help stem the tide of its citizens reliance on painkillers? And more importantly, help combat the risks of addiction and abuse that have impacted so many lives?

Well...Florida lawmakers have worked to address the situation with a variety of reforms, the latest being House Bill 451: Nonopioid Alternatives.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association,

"Florida passed a new law that requires the Department of Health to develop and publish an online educational pamphlet on the use of non-opioid alternatives for pain, including massage therapy. The publication to include information about the advantages of each non-opioid approach, with references on its efficacy. This legislature will make a difference in how the residents of Florida view their options for pain care and management, with a clear endorsement of massage therapy."

Here's how the new law (House Bill 451 ) reads:

Inform the patient of available nonopioid alternatives for the treatment of pain, which may include nonopioid medicinal drugs or drug products, interventional procedures or treatments, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or any other appropriate therapy as determined by the health care practitioner. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of nonopioid alternatives, including whether the patient is at a high risk of, or has a history of, controlled substance abuse or misuse and the patient's personal preferences.

We think massage is a great alternative to painkillers and have been advocating massage for pain relief since the first day we opened our doors. As explained by Harvard Medical School, "therapeutic massage may relieve pain by way of several mechanisms, including relaxing painful muscles, tendons, and joints; relieving stress and anxiety; and possibly helping to "close the pain gate" by stimulating competing nerve fibers and impeding pain messages to and from the brain."

Massage Therapists in Tallahassee – Learn More Today

Our skilled massage therapists can offer a variety of massage therapy solutions to help you – especially with pain reduction and management.

We’re here for you and would love to talk to you about how me might be able to address issues you’re having with your body!

Please contact our office and schedule a time to visit our office. Call 850-325-1331 to learn more or schedule an appointment.