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Earlier Intervention, Higher Savings

A recent ConsumerReports.org article noted that doctors oftentimes order more tests, drugs, and surgeries than necessary while sometimes overlooking proven treatments. While the article touched on a couple different underutilized treatments, including the shingles vaccine, we want to expand on our favorite point – physical therapy for low back pain!

People suffering from a new occurrence of low back pain that were referred to physical therapy within 14 days were less likely to be prescribed painkilling opioids, according to a 2015 BMC Health Services Research study, but only 24 percent of those people actuallyreceived physical therapy within 14 days.

How does that affect our patients? An estimated 60-80% of the population will suffer persistent back pain at some point in their lives, with 13 million Americans seeing their doctor each year for relief from chronic low back pain. Patients who were referred to physical therapy within 14 days and adhered to their treatment plan spent $3,000 a year in associated healthcare costs. Those who suffered from low back pain and delayed receiving physical therapy or did not adhere to their treatment plan spent double – $6,000 a year in associated healthcare costs.

BTPT provides early intervention for patients with a wide range of orthopaedic issues including low back pain, which leads to a reduction in costly imaging, prescription drugs, and unnecessary surgeries. Our physical therapists are experts in the management of musculoskeletal disorders and are committed to providing you with superior healthcare from start to finish. If you’re suffering from low back pain and ready to get back to a healthy, active, pain-free lifestyle, go online to www.breakthrough-pt.com today to schedule an appointment!

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