Well-studied perhaps but often not effectively given due attention, except for modalities that are easy to apply (medication, TENS, ultrasound, etc) despite ins

Well-studied perhaps but often not effectively given due attention, except for modalities that are easy to apply (medication, TENS, ultrasound, etc) despite insufficient or quickly diminishing effectiveness. The US healthcare system isn't oriented around more time consuming approaches (highly individual; hard to "dose" and ensure adherence) for chronic pain such as stretching, stress relief, postural improvements, etc. For acute pain such as the OPs experience, painkillers are/should be first line when treatment is indicated.