Save money with physical therapy.

Reference: Image and information used for this blog can be found here: https://www.valueofpt.com/ 

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Physical therapy can be a cost-effective way to manage a range of conditions, with proven results that include improving quality of life through patient education, hands-on care, and prescribed exercise.

Physical therapy is highly effective in treating musculoskeletal conditions, which impact over 127 million Americans and contribute to $213 billion in medical expenditures, lost wages, and decreased productivity annually.

In the report “The Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States,” the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) investigated the application of physical therapy across several health conditions to assess the costs and benefits of physical therapist services compared with alternative courses of care.

The report examined the available scientific research on the care delivered for a range of conditions. An economic analysis was performed for each condition, comparing physical therapist services to an alternative treatment based on the costs associated with providing care and the benefits produced for the U.S. health care system.

Included in the report were the following musculoskeletal conditions commonly faced by industrial & tactical workforces:

Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative and progressive joint disease affecting more than 32 million Americans. Knee osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and its prevalence has doubled in the last 70 years.

Using a scientific study that examined the cost-effectiveness of physical therapy compared with injections for knee osteoarthritis, the report demonstrates that choosing physical therapy over steroid injections to treat osteoarthritis of the knee saves $13,981, including the dollars paid for the services as well as hidden costs of the patient’s time, pain, and missed work and life events.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects 50 out of every 1,000 individuals in the United States. CTS is commonly identified as an occupational hazard, as people at the highest risk have occupations that require forceful and often repetitive hand movements, such as office administrative staff and production workers.

Using a scientific study that examined the cost-effectiveness of physical therapy compared with surgery for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, the report demonstrates that choosing physical therapy over surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome saves $39,533.

To learn more about how conservative treatments for CTS read: Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Dr. Ron Lawrence at our Shawano clinic

Low Back Pain

Back pain is a leading musculoskeletal disorder with a high occurrence, costly treatment, and a significant effect on a person’s quality of life. Back pain is the leading cause of work-loss days and work limitations and can result in patients seeking emergency care.

Using a scientific study that examined the cost-effectiveness of physical therapy compared with the usual primary care management for acute low back pain, the report demonstrates that choosing physical therapy early, over typical management of acute low back pain, saves $4,160.

To learn more about how conservative treatments for Lower Back Pain read: Essentail Exercises to Prevent Low back Pain by Joe Hanel from our Industrial Medicine team.

Vascular Claudication

Claudication is a condition that causes pain in the thigh, calf, or buttocks when walking due to restricted blood flow. Vascular claudication is typically the result of peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, caused primarily by plaque build-up in the arteries that restrict proper blood flow to the lower limbs.

Using a scientific study that examined the cost-effectiveness of physical therapy-monitored exercise (walking and treadmill training) combined with “optimal medical care” (a risk factor management method as suggested by guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association) compared with “optimal medical care” alone, the report demonstrates that choosing physical therapy over alternatives to treat claudication saves $24,125.

Tennis Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is an overuse injury caused by an eccentric overload of a muscle in the forearm. Despite its name, tennis players make up only 10% of the tennis elbow patient population; as many as 15% of workers in highly repetitive jobs report having tennis elbow.

Using a scientific study that examined the cost-effectiveness of physical therapy and/or corticosteroid injection for tennis elbow compared with a placebo injection, the report demonstrates that choosing physical therapy over alternatives to treat tennis elbow saves $10,739.

To learn more about how conservative treatments for Tennis Elbow read: Tips and Tricks for preventing and Managing Elbow Tendonitis by Megan Werner from our Sports Medicine team.

Falls Prevention

Falls are a major injury risk and are closely associated with an increased incidence of fractures, such as hip and wrist fractures.

Using a scientific study that focused on the cost-effectiveness of physical therapy-based falls-prevention exercise versus no intervention to compare the isolated impact of exercise treatment on preventing falls and reducing future costs associated with common fractures, the report demonstrates that choosing physical therapy-based falls-prevention exercise saves $2,144 in future expenses related to common fractures due to falls.

Learn more about Advanced’s premier balance and fall’s prevention program.

You should consider attending physical therapy first when it comes to everyday aches, pains, sprains, and strains. Look at all the money you could save!

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Contact us to schedule your initial evaluation or free injury screen today!

Conquering Carpal Tunnel: A Guide to Conservative Treatments

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is like an uninvited guest in your hand, but it doesn't have to stay forever. Several simple treatments can help manage CTS and make your hands feel better. Here’s how you can take control of your recovery.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome arises when the median nerve, responsible for sensation and movement in your thumb, index, middle, and half of your ring finger, gets compressed within the carpal tunnel in your wrist. This compression can lead to tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain in the hand and wrist.

What causes the compression?

It could be a combination of things: inflammation, awkward or sustained working positions, repetitive movements, operating heavy machinery, muscular strength, and mobility imbalances throughout the forearm, upper arm, and even the neck.

Combating CTS: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Conservative treatments aim to reduce pressure on the median nerve and alleviate CTS symptoms. Here's a look at some effective options:

1. Splinting: Wearing a wrist splint, particularly at night, immobilizes your wrist in a neutral position. This helps rest the median nerve and reduce pressure within the carpal tunnel.

2. Activity Modification: Mindfulness in daily activities can significantly improve CTS symptoms. Identify tasks that aggravate your symptoms and make adjustments. This may involve taking frequent breaks, using proper posture, and incorporating ergonomic tools into your workspace, keeping your wrist in neutral while you work, or changing your workspace to set yourself up for success.

3. Manual Therapy: Mobilization and manual therapy to the transverse carpal ligament and surrounding structures, trigger point dry needling to the flexor or extensor mass, depending on where the restrictions or limitations can be found, and nerve mobilizations/ gliding for the median nerve.

4. Therapeutic Exercises: Gentle hand and wrist exercises prescribed by a physical or occupational therapist can improve flexibility, nerve mobility, and overall hand function.

Wrist flexion stretching, wrist extension stretching, median nerve glides, grip strengthening, and upper extremity strengthening exercises may be appropriate depending on the severity (how intense they symptoms are and how they impact you), irritability (how much activity is required to provoke the symptoms) and nature (what other factors besides activity impact your experience) of your symptoms.

*Disclaimer: Exercises are for education only and should not be used in place of a PT or OT evaluation or free injury screen by one of our skilled PTs or OTs.

5. Functional Exercise: Using the fundamental strength and mobility built with therapeutic exercise to perform combined movements that mimic your job tasks, life outside of work, or hobbies that you may have.

The Takeaway: Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for successful CTS management. By implementing conservative treatments at the first signs of CTS, you can prevent further nerve irritation and regain control of your hand function.

Consulting a physical or occupational therapist is vital for proper diagnosis and crafting a personalized treatment plan to conquer carpal tunnel and reclaim pain-free hand use.

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About the author: Ron Lawrence is a physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist at our Shawano Clinic on Green Bay St. and with our Industrial Medicine Team. He holds advanced certifications in Dry Needling and Nutrition. He is an excellent resource for any work-related or non-work-related aches you may have!