A study published in Spine Journal* shows that early treatment by a physical therapist for low back pain (LBP) was associated with less risk of utilizing succeeding health care and lower overall health care costs than delayed treatment.
Researchers examined a sample of 32,070 patients who were newly consulting a primary care physician for low back pain. Patients were identified and categorized based on the time that physical therapy services were received following their consultation.
Patients who were referred to a physical therapist early (within 14 days of the consultation) showed a reduced risk of succeeding health care utilization and experienced lower overall health care costs than patients who received delayed treatment by a physical therapist (within 15-90 days of consultation).
During an 18-month follow-up period, researchers found that early treatment by a physical therapist was associated with reduced risk of subsequent surgery, injections, physician visits, opioid use, and advanced imaging.
Researchers also found a corresponding reduction in overall LBP-related medical costs relative to delayed treatment by a physical therapist. Total health care costs for patients receiving early care from a physical therapist were an average of $2,736.23 lower.
So that settles it…Why are you waiting any longer? If your back, hurts CALL US AND CALL NOW!
Call LeAnne at 720-493-1181, she can’t wait to help you start feeling better!
