Pain medication in therapy – curse or blessing?
How pain medications affect physiotherapy and occupational therapy – and how we can consciously deal with them
Pain medications are often an integral part of the lives of people with chronic or acute pain. They can provide short-term relief, restore quality of life, and even facilitate the return to exercise. However, they also pose challenges for therapists: medications not only relieve pain but also affect body perception, resilience, and the autonomic nervous system.
The good news: With conscious and coordinated cooperation between physiotherapists, occupational therapists, patients and doctors , pain medication can be used effectively – and in many cases even reduced in the long term.
What do pain medications do to the body?
Painkillers—whether classic NSAIDs like ibuprofen, central analgesics like opioids, or muscle relaxants—relieve acute symptoms, reduce inflammation, and calm the nervous system. However, they often also have side effects:
Reduced body awareness: Pain is reduced – but also the perception of movement, posture or stress limits.
Vegetative changes: Fatigue, dizziness, nausea or changes in heart rate may occur.
Masking the cause: Pain medications can alleviate symptoms but not address the underlying cause, which can lead to the risk of missing important physical signals.
Changed movement patterns: Less pain often means more range of motion, but not necessarily better or gentler movements.
How do pain medications affect physical therapy?
In physiotherapy, pain medication is often necessary to enable movement at all—especially in acute situations. However, it's important to be aware of their effects:
Therapeutic focus:
Perception training: Conscious training of body perception despite painkillers in order to recognize protective postures and incorrect strain at an early stage.
Functional movement analysis: Attention to the quality and precision of movements to avoid overload due to reduced pain sensitivity.
Regulatory approaches: Accompanying vegetative symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue can be balanced with breathing and movement techniques.
Reduction of medication intake: The long-term goal is to reduce pain through targeted, active measures such as medical yoga, sensorimotor training and stabilization training.
Guiding principle: View medication as an aid – not as a permanent solution.
Occupational therapy – managing everyday life despite medication
Pain medications not only affect the body but also daily functioning. Occupational therapy focuses on structuring daily life consciously and carefully considering side effects:
Occupational therapy measures:
Everyday analysis and stress management: Conscious use of painkillers to avoid over- or under-demand in everyday life.
Pacing and energy management: Assistance in planning breaks, dosing activities and conscious use of medication-free phases.
Self-management training: recognizing side effects, developing coping strategies, and strengthening self-efficacy despite or because of taking medication.
Interdisciplinary coordination: Close collaboration with physicians to develop long-term strategies for pain medication.
The biopsychosocial approach – medication as one building block among many
At Hockenholz, we don't view pain medication as a problem—rather, as a therapeutic option that should be used consciously and in moderation. Our approach is mindful, interdisciplinary, and resource-oriented.
We work with:
Individual information and advice: Understanding the effects, side effects and alternatives of pain medication.
Vegetative regulation: Breathwork, relaxation and movement to calm the nervous system without medication.
Conscious use of body awareness: As a counterbalance to the “numbness” caused by painkillers, consciously promote sensory stimuli and mindful movement experiences.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: Close coordination with treating physicians , psychologists and pain therapists.
Conclusion: Pain medication is helpful – but not without conscious use
Pain medications often facilitate the transition to active therapy – and they can help you rediscover movement. However, conscious use is crucial: Pain medications should not remain a permanent aid, but should be used specifically and supplemented with active therapy over the long term.
With a holistic approach combining physiotherapy, occupational therapy and clear communication, patients can learn to use medication sparingly, consciously and effectively in the long term – for a life with less pain and more active self-determination.
Are you a therapist and would like to expand your knowledge of pain therapy, body awareness and medication-related therapy?
👉 Then find out about our training courses on:
www.hockenholz.com/weiterbildungen
Are you affected yourself?
We provide you with personalized, professional support – in Berlin or via online counseling. For a life in which painkillers are helpful, but not crucial.