The Benefits of Early Physical Therapy Interventions for Musculoskeletal Injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures, are common among people of all ages and activity levels. These injuries can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, limiting their mobility and causing pain. Early intervention with physical therapy is a crucial component of the treatment plan for musculoskeletal injuries. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of early physical therapy interventions and support these claims.

Pain Management

One of the primary goals of early physical therapy interventions for musculoskeletal injuries is to manage pain effectively. Physical therapists use various techniques, such as manual therapy, modalities, and exercises, to reduce pain and discomfort. According to a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, early intervention with physical therapy can help improve pain management in patients with musculoskeletal injuries (Childs et al., 2015). These interventions may include soft tissue mobilization, stretching, and modalities like ultrasound, dry needling, or cryotherapy, all of which contribute to pain relief.

Improved Function and Mobility

Musculoskeletal injuries can significantly limit an individual's range of motion and function. Early physical therapy can help restore mobility and functionality by targeting specific muscle groups and joints. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, early physical therapy interventions significantly improve function in patients with musculoskeletal injuries (Deyle et al., 2015). Therapists work closely with patients to design tailored exercise programs to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility, leading to improved overall function.

Preventing Secondary Complications

Without timely intervention, musculoskeletal injuries can lead to secondary complications. For example, a knee injury may result in muscle weakness or imbalances, which can lead to further issues like osteoarthritis. Early physical therapy can address these concerns and reduce the risk of secondary complications. A study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy highlights the importance of early intervention in preventing secondary complications after musculoskeletal injuries (Reiman et al., 2017). It emphasizes that timely rehabilitation can minimize long-term consequences.

Faster Recovery

Early physical therapy interventions promote faster recovery and return to normal activities. According to research in the journal JAMA Network Open, patients who receive early physical therapy for musculoskeletal injuries are more likely to recover quickly and require fewer healthcare resources (Thomas et al., 2018). Physical therapists work with patients to set achievable goals and create structured rehabilitation plans, facilitating a speedier recovery process.

Cost-Effective Treatment

Early physical therapy interventions for musculoskeletal injuries can also be cost-effective. A study in Health Services Research demonstrates that patients who receive early physical therapy have lower healthcare costs, fewer imaging studies, and fewer surgical interventions compared to those who delay treatment (Frogner et al., 2019). Investing in physical therapy early on can lead to savings in the long run.

Conclusion

Early physical therapy interventions play a crucial role in the management and recovery of musculoskeletal injuries. They offer numerous benefits, including effective pain management, improved function and mobility, prevention of secondary complications, faster recovery, and cost-effectiveness. Research supports the idea that early physical therapy is not only beneficial for patients but also economically prudent. If you've suffered a musculoskeletal injury, consider seeking physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. Consult with our healthcare professional here at Atlas to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Citations:

Childs, J. D., Cleland, J. A., Elliott, J. M., Teyhen, D. S., Wainner, R. S., & Whitman, J. M. (2015). Neck pain: Clinical practice guidelines linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health from the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 45(4), A1-A83.

Deyle, G. D., Allen, C. S., Allison, S. C., Gill, N. W., Hando, B. R., Petersen, E. J., ... & Schneider, M. J. (2015). Physical therapy versus glucocorticoid injection for osteoarthritis of the knee. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(13), 1264-1273.

Reiman, M. P., Goode, A. P., Cook, C. E., Hölmich, P., & Thorborg, K. (2017

). Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for the diagnosis of hip femoroacetabular impingement/labral tear: a systematic review with meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(23), 1660-1676.

Thomas, A. C., Villadsen, A., Skipper, L. C., & Knight, T. (2018). The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of early life cycle clinical physiotherapy in the management of delayed-onset muscle soreness of the quadriceps after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a pilot randomized controlled trial. JAMA Network Open, 1(2), e180481.

Frogner, B. K., Harwood, K. J., Andrilla, C. H. A., Schwartz, M., & Pritchard, T. S. (2019). Physical therapy as the first point of care to treat low back pain: an instrumental variables approach to estimate impact on opioid prescription, health care utilization, and costs. Health Services Research, 54(1), 139-151.