Physio Services can reduce healthcare costs and absenteeism

INVESTMENT in physiotherapy services for musculoskeletal conditions improves patient outcomes and reduces overall healthcare costs, a new report from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) shows.

Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading cause of pain and disability in the UK, affecting more than one in four people. The evidence from the report Moving Forward: Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Health and Wellbeing highlights the importance of physiotherapy for treating these conditions.

This themed review brings together more than 30 physiotherapy related published studies funded by the NIHR and selected studied from other research organisations, which have made a difference to musculoskeletal care in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain and chronic knee joint pain.

Moving Forward is particularly aimed at physiotherapy staff involved in direct clinical practice but is also relevant to other clinicians in the musculoskeletal care team.

The findings show:

Investment in high quality rehabilitation adapted to individuals patient needs, lead to better outcomes, reduces further investigations and treatment, and reduces costs.

Physiotherapists offering advice on lower back pain reduced absence from work by an average of around five days.

Telephone assessment by physiotherapist meant people waited an average of seven days for contact with a physio, compared to a usual average waiting time of 34 days. Stretching and strengthening hand exercises improved function for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

There is overwhelming evidence that exercise and activity are effective and should be a core treatment in musculoskeletal pain. An NIHR review of over 60 trails- most for knee osteoarthritis-showed clear benefit of exercise.

A rehabilitation programme including targeted exercise reduced knee joint pain and healthcare costs

Published in TalkBack Autumn 2018 Available for download at Click Here

Want to know more?

• Call DDB Physiotherapy Clinic on 02392 552266 and how we can help reduce absenteeism for musculoskeletal conditions and facilitate a faster return to work.