Physical therapy (PT) is a non-invasive treatment, focused on reduction of pain, restoration of mobility, and regaining daily function.1 The use of PT depends on a patient’s condition, severity, and pain tolerance. Depending on these factors, physical therapists create specific programs to help accomplish goals for patient recovery. These goals can range from an increasing range of motion and balance to recovering from major musculoskeletal surgeries such as hip and knee replacement. However, clinical guidelines for the American PT Association (APTA) continue to encourage all PT programs to include patient education, muscle strengthening, and lifestyle accommodations.
Through PT, physical therapists and patients address musculoskeletal pains, work injuries, disabilities, and chronic conditions such as arthritis and back pain.
References
- American Physical Therapy Association. Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy. 2020; https://www.apta.org/siteassets/pdfs/policies/standards-of-practice-pt.pdf. Accessed November 6, 2021.
- Şahin N, Karahan AY, Albayrak İ. Effectiveness of physical therapy and exercise on pain and functional status in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized-controlled trial. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil 2017; 64(1): 52-58.
- Pereira MG, Roios E, Pereira M. Functional disability in patients with low back pain: the mediator role of suffering and beliefs about pain control in patients receiving physical and chiropractic treatment. Braz J Phys Ther 2017; 21(6): 465-472.
- S. Department of Health and Human Services. Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2020. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet. Accessed November 6, 2021.
- Fritz JM, Lane E, McFadden M et al. Physical therapy referral from primary care for acute back pain with sciatica: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 2021;174(1): 8-17.
- Grossi G, Soares J, Ängeslevä J, et al. Psychosocial correlates of long-term sick-leave among patients with musculoskeletal pain. Pain 1999; 80(3): 607-620.
- Gross D., Park J, Rayani F, et al. Motivational interviewing improves sustainable return to work in injured workers after rehabilitation: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil2017; 98(12): 2355-2363.
- Pignataro R, Huddleston J. The use of motivational interviewing in physical therapy education and practice: empowering patients through effective self‐J Phys Ther Educ 2015; 29: 62-71.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arthritis. 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/arthritis.htm. Accessed November 6, 2021.
- Deyle GD, Allen CS, Allison SC, et al. Physical therapy versus glucocorticoid injection for osteoarthritis of the knee. NEJM 2020; 382(15): 1420-1429.
- Deyle GD, Henderson NE, Matekel RL, et al. Effectiveness of manual physical therapy and exercise in osteoarthritis of the knee. A randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 2000; 132(3): 173-181.
- Deyle GD, Allison SC, Matekel RL, et al. Physical therapy treatment effectiveness for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized comparison of supervised clinical exercise and manual therapy procedures versus a home exercise program. Phys Ther 2005; 85(12): 1301-1317.
