Interview: Jordan Sudberg's Integrative Approach to Physical Therapy and Pain Medicine

As we take steps into 2024, the healthcare landscape is witnessing a transformative shift in pain management and rehabilitation. Integrating physical therapy and pain medicine is a pivotal strategy, offering a comprehensive approach to patient care. This integrative model addresses immediate pain relief and focuses on long-term recovery and functional improvement.

The traditional separation between physical therapy and pain medicine is gradually blurring. Physical therapists are increasingly working with pain management specialists to provide a more holistic treatment plan. This collaboration allows for a dual approach: managing pain through medication and therapeutic interventions while simultaneously working on improving physical function and mobility.

A significant advantage of this integrative approach is its potential to address the opioid crisis. By focusing on physical therapy as a primary mode of treatment, the reliance on opioid medications can be reduced. This shift is crucial in managing chronic pain conditions, where the risk of opioid dependency is high.

But can modern medicine enhance patient outcomes through combined therapies? Is there hope in ever putting a stop to the painkiller crisis in America and the world?

Jordan Sudberg on the Convergence of Physical Therapy and Pain Medicine

To better understand this intersection and holistic approach, I have talked to Jordan Sudberg, a renowned pain management specialist at the forefront of the integrative pain management paradigm, championing various treatment models that increase patient recovery and overall well-being without abusing painkillers.

Me: Dr. Sudberg, thank you for joining me today. As a pioneer in pain management, could you share your insights on combining physical therapy and pain medicine?

Jordan Sudberg: Absolutely. This integrative approach is crucial in my practice. Physical therapy, often viewed separately from pain medicine, helps most patients with chronic pain conditions. It's about understanding the body's mechanics and using that knowledge to alleviate pain.

Me: There is no denying that the painkiller crisis is far from being over. So, I want to ask you how physical therapy complements traditional pain medicine in your practice. 

Jordan Sudberg: In my practice, physical therapy and pain medicine work hand in hand. This holistic treatment plan addresses the symptoms and the underlying causes of pain. It's particularly effective for patients who might otherwise rely solely on pharmacological treatments. We aim to provide a balanced, multifaceted treatment plan that empowers patients to recover.

Me: Here's a thought: could physical therapy replace pain meds entirely sometime in the future?

Jordan Sudberg: It would be amazing, but I am afraid we are not there yet. While physical therapy has made tremendous strides and is essential to pain management, we must understand that it may not entirely replace pain medications for every patient, just like pain medication is not the answer to all pain, all day, every day. 

So, to answer your question, PT helps improve strength, flexibility, and overall function, significantly reducing the need for pain medications. However, there are scenarios, such as acute pain episodes or pain due to certain medical conditions, where medication is necessary to manage pain effectively. The goal in such cases is to use medications judiciously and in conjunction with other therapies, like PT or CBT for pain, in some cases. 

Look at the portrayal of Ligodone in "The Fall of the House of Usher" on Netflix. It strikes a particularly resonant chord, doesn't it? A universal remedy for all the pain in the world, without severe side effects and no addiction potential? Some people would call this science fiction. I would call it a cautionary tale like the show was, especially in a country where almost one and a half million people are addicted to Oxy. 

Me: So you really liked the show, didn't you?

Jordan Sudberg: I loved it! Besides the story, the cinematography, the acting, and the art, it does an excellent job highlighting the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding the opioid crisis, something we grapple with in the real world. It is a powerful reminder of the challenges we face in pain management – the need to alleviate what Roderick Usher (and others in the industry) call "the great equalizer," pain, by any means necessary, yet doing so responsibly.

Me: So, how does the future of the integrative pain management approach look? 

Jordan Sudberg: Well, I believe PT will continue to play a huge role in pain management and has the potential to mitigate the painkiller crisis. By offering effective non-pharmacological options, we can reduce the over-reliance on opioids and other pain medications. Focusing on the origin causes of pain and working on them can contribute to long-term health benefits for everybody. Maybe if we focused more on complementing drugs with other alternative treatments, we would make the opioid crisis and the likes of Roderick Usher a thing of the past. We could put it behind us and heal. 

Me: That is a beautiful vision! So, to summarize, how does this synergy between physical therapy and pain medicine translate into patient outcomes? We talk about pain's root causes and the delicate balance we need to find between medication and alternative therapies, but what does the patient get?

Jordan Sudberg: Let's put it this way: by engaging in physical therapy, the patient's dependence on medication lowers. As people improve their physical condition through targeted exercises, their pain levels typically decrease, which in turn lessens their reliance on drugs. In terms of recovery, physical therapy plays a pivotal role. It improves joint and muscle function, which can be restricted by chronic pain. Effective pain management through well-dosed, judiciously chosen drugs allows patients to engage more actively in physical therapy, leading to a faster and more comprehensive recovery.

Another crucial aspect is preventing pain recurrence. By strengthening the body and increasing flexibility, physical therapy mitigates the risk of future pain episodes, especially in chronic conditions.

Combining physical therapy, pain management strategies, and innovative technology addresses immediate pain relief and focuses on long-term recovery, functionality, and personalized patient care.

Me: Regarding technology, how do you see it playing a role in this approach?

Jordan Sudberg: In 2024, technology's role in our integrative pain management approach is pivotal. Let me give you a few examples. Take wearable devices, like smartwatches and fitness trackers. They're not just for counting steps or monitoring heart rate anymore. These devices can track patients' activity, sleep, and stress levels, crucial indicators of their pain management progress. For instance, a change in sleep patterns could signal increased pain, allowing us to adjust treatment plans more responsively.

Then there's telerehabilitation, which has been a game-changer, especially during the pandemic. We can now conduct therapy sessions remotely. This means patients with mobility issues or who live in remote areas can still receive high-quality care. We can guide them through exercises via video and monitor their progress, ensuring they stay on track with their rehabilitation goals.

And, of course, there are advanced imaging techniques like MRI. These aren't just diagnostic tools but integral to our treatment planning. For example, an MRI can reveal detailed images of soft tissue injuries, guiding us in creating a more effective and targeted therapy plan.

Me: Dr. Sudberg, considering the significant role of technology and integrating physical therapy with pain medicine in your practice, how do these advancements contribute to a more patient-centric approach? In other words, how do these innovations ensure that treatment plans are tailored to each patient's unique needs and experiences?

Jordan Sudberg: Great question. These innovations are fundamental in ensuring our treatment plans are effective and highly personalized. These technological advancements enable us to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Now, we can consider each patient's unique pain experience, lifestyle, and physical condition, creating a treatment plan as individual as they are. This patient-centric approach empowers patients in their journey toward recovery and well-being.

Me: I'd like to get into one more detail with you now. Your unique approach to mobility therapy is quite interesting. Could you tell us more about it?

Jordan Sudberg: Mobility therapy focuses on enhancing joint and muscle function. It's particularly beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis or those recovering from sports injuries. By restoring function and freedom of movement, we can reduce the reliance on pain medications. In time, patients often see remarkable improvements in their physical capabilities and overall well-being.

Me: Finally, what are your thoughts on the future of pain management and physical therapy?

Jordan Sudberg: I envision a healthcare system where integrating physical therapy and pain medicine is the norm. Continued research and education in this area are essential. We must fully understand the relationship between movement and pain and how it can revolutionize patient care, promising better outcomes, reduced medication dependency, and a holistic approach to patient well-being.

Me: Thank you, Dr. Sudberg, for sharing your valuable insights today.

Jordan Sudberg: It's been my pleasure. Thank you for having me.

A Few Words on the Future of Pain Management and Physical Therapy As Envisioned by Jordan Sudberg

As I conclude this insightful conversation with Jordan Sudberg, it's clear that the future of pain management holds promise in alleviating the opioid crisis. His integrative approach, combining the precision of modern technology with the personalized touch of physical therapy, paves the way for more effective and sustainable pain management strategies.

His emphasis on understanding each patient's unique pain experience and tailoring treatments accordingly seems to enhance recovery and reduce pain medication dependency. This approach, echoed by many in the medical community, represents a beacon of hope. It suggests a future where pain relief is achieved not just through addictive drugs but through a holistic understanding of pain and its multifaceted treatment.

I believe Jordan Sudberg's vision and practices offer a hopeful glimpse into a healthcare system that prioritizes patient welfare and functional recovery and is a significant step toward resolving the current painkiller crisis. Let's only hope we will all witness this change sooner rather than later!