Physical Therapy a Cost-effective Treatment for Low Back Pain
Studies say that treating back pain with physical therapy can reduce opioid dependence and the need for costly surgery.
People seek low back pain treatment in a NY healthcare center for various reasons such as sports injuries, pain due to chronic conditions such as arthritis, and aches caused by poor posture and lifting activities. Pain in the lower back it can be debilitating and seriously affect quality of life. There is increasing evidence that physical therapy helps restore and maintain maximal physical functioning and health, and reduces opioid dependence and the costs of care.
Physical Therapy Program for Back Pain
A recent study by the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) which was based on an analysis of private insurance claims data showed that improving access to physical
therapy
could
decrease
people’s
dependence on opioids, scans and surgery for low back pain. It is estimated that the costs of treating low-back pain are $90.6 billion in direct health care, plus another $19.8 billion in missed work, disability and low productivity, reports The Bulletin which published the findings of the HCCI study. In a multi-specialty health care center in New York, physical therapy is an important component of
pain
therapists
management. and
physical
Experienced therapist
physical assistants
collaborate with other health care professionals to
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provide customized interventions to achieve each patient's specific needs and rehabilitation goals. As the first step, the physical therapist obtains and evaluates the patient’s history and reviews medical and laboratory tests and imaging studies. These findings are then integrated with the findings of the physical and medical examination of the patient by the members of the health care team such as doctors of internal medicine, neurologists, and pain management physicians. After establishing the diagnosis, the physical therapist develops a treatment plan that incorporates the specific interventions needed to optimize the patient’s physical function and quality of life. The physical therapy program for low back pain may include interventions such as:
Ice or heat application
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Specific strengthening and flexibility exercises
Cold and compression therapy
Pain injections
The pain management program in a NY health care center may also involve techniques such as spinal decompression and chiropractic to improve the mobility of joints and soft tissues. Surgery may be necessary in certain cases. However, like other studies, the HCCI study found that patients going in for physical therapy before seeking other treatment had lower costs and fewer chances of emergency room visits, using imaging, and opioid prescriptions. www.hqbk.com
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Guidance on a Healthy Lifestyle Physical therapists collaborate with their patients on a regular basis. In addition to education on caring for the back, they provide guidance on preventing recurrence of back pain. Patients are advised on proper posture, lifting, bending, and activities at work and in the home. They also help patients with dietary and physical activity recommendations to improve overall health.
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