By: Rich Kidwell, PT – Regional Director, Partner
Physical Therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals, who play an integral role in the management of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Unfortunately, physical therapy services are under-utilized in the healthcare system and can commonly be an afterthought when patients and physicians are managing disorders that are leading to pain and limitation of function.
Musculoskeletal Conditions are
Increasing in the U.S.
Our current healthcare system faces many challenges with how to manage musculoskeletal conditions. Musculoskeletal pain is defined as a disorder that affects bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves and affects up to 50% of all adults and 75% of all adults over age 65. This makes it one of the most common reasons to see a healthcare practitioner and represents approximately 18% of all healthcare visits. The incidence of chronic pain (pain lasting greater than 3 months) has seen a concerning rise in the past several years, compounding the challenges the healthcare system is facing. According to the CDC, 50 million Americans are affected by chronic pain, which translates into $600 billion dollars spent annually to address the treatment of these individuals. It is estimated that of the 50 million dealing with chronic pain, only 11 million of those utilized physical therapy. Among the most common early approaches for treatment of chronic pain, and/or MSK disorders, is ordering radiologic tests, as well as the use of pharmacological treatments including the use of opioids, both of which have questionable effectiveness in the management of MSK disorders.
How Physical Therapy Provides Safe, Cost-Effective Relief
While this information may seem daunting, the good news is that physical therapy has been shown to be an effective intervention in managing these conditions through decreasing pain and improving function, as well as being cost effective. One study demonstrated that patients who saw a physical therapist as their first line treatment option had a 17% cost savings compared to those receiving injections first, and 75% savings compared to those receiving surgery. Compared to the use of opioids, physical therapy treats the underlying condition leading to pain, or limited function, as opposed to the opioid which is addressing the symptoms only and can have many related negative impacts on health.
Make Physical Therapy Your First Step Toward Recovery
Additionally, accessing physical therapists in many states, including Kansas and most recently Missouri, is much easier as you can see a physical therapist without receiving a referral from a physician. So the next time you, or someone you know, is experiencing pain or limited function because of a musculoskeletal condition, seek out the treatment of a physical therapist as an early option to assist in your recovery.
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