Lower back pain affects 80% of the general population throughout our lifetime and accounts for the fifth most common reason for all physician visits in the United States. A recent study published in Spine last December found that early physical therapy intervention for low back pain can provide many significant benefits. The study examined over 32,000 patients who consulted their primary care physician for low back pain and found that those who saw their physical therapist within 14 days demonstrated a reduced risk of subsequent healthcare utilization as well as lower health care costs than those who waited 14 to 90 days. The study also found that early physical therapy intervention decreases the necessity for other medical expenses such as MRI’s, additional physician visits, medication, injections, and more importantly - surgery! With direct access in Wisconsin, you do not need a physician’s referral for physical therapy services, and can experience the same benefits these patients did in the study. Wisconsin Orthopedic Physical Therapy believes that using evidence based practice with a holistic, hands-on approach is essential to return their patients to their desired function. We also believe that patient education during your visits is vital to reach your goals and establish maintenance and prevention after you are discharged. If you are part of the 80% of us who experience lower back pain, call us today for a free consultation and learn how physical therapy can improve your quality of life.
Chou, Roger, et al. "Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society." Annals of internal medicine 147:7 (2007): 478-491.
Freburger, Janet K., et al. "The rising prevalence of chronic low back pain." Archives of Internal Medicine 169:3 (2009): 251.
Fritz JM., Childs JD., Wainner RS., Flynn TW. “Primary Care Referral of Patient With Low Back Pain to Physical Therapy: Impact on Future Health Care Utilization and Costs”. Spine. 37:25 (2012) 2114-2121.
Chou, Roger, et al. "Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society." Annals of internal medicine 147:7 (2007): 478-491.
Freburger, Janet K., et al. "The rising prevalence of chronic low back pain." Archives of Internal Medicine 169:3 (2009): 251.
Fritz JM., Childs JD., Wainner RS., Flynn TW. “Primary Care Referral of Patient With Low Back Pain to Physical Therapy: Impact on Future Health Care Utilization and Costs”. Spine. 37:25 (2012) 2114-2121.
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