Physical therapy group campaigns to combat opioid epidemic

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The American Physical Therapy Association is launching a public education campaign in response to the nation's opioid abuse epidemic. The U.S. is currently in the grip of a prescription drug epidemic and resurgence in the use of heroin stemming from painkiller abuse.

APTA is launching the campaign to raise awareness for both patients and prescribers that physical therapy is a safe alternative for pain management and can reduce or eliminate the need for painkillers.

The organization said the national campaign will focus special attention on states that have been hit the hardest with the opioid epidemic, and that includes Tennessee.

Those who want to support the campaign on social media can use the #ChoosePT hashtag and follow @MoveForwardPT on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.