The growing prevalence and burden of musculoskeletal disorders has led to major developments in how treatment is approached and delivered. This put the science of physiotherapy at the very heart of the care continuum. And for a good reason.
A 2018 report from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) showed that by investing in physiotherapy services when it comes to musculoskeletal disorders has resulted in enhanced patient outcomes and reduced overall healthcare costs. Physiotherapy is key when it comes to preventing and diminishing the negative impacts of these conditions due to its unique mode of action.
Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading cause of disability and they come in many shapes and forms: from strains and sprains to long-term conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. With Canada facing the challenges of aging populations growing at fast rates and high levels of physical inactivity and obesity, chronic pain conditions are bound to skyrocket as well.
The NIHR report highlights the fact that physiotherapy is leading the way musculoskeletal health and wellbeing. For instance, work absenteeism could be reduced by as many as five days when people receive advice on how to manage low back pain from physiotherapists. Simultaneously, people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can benefit from improved function through stretching and strength exercises both under the supervision of a therapist and at home.
Another interesting finding reveals the potential of combining physiotherapy with psychological intervention. By doing so, patients reported a decrease in disability and a better quality of life overall. Moreover, these improvements have been sustained between one and three years. Evidently, these outcomes had an impact on costs also given the fact that many musculoskeletal can be self-managed.
When focusing on chronic knee pain rehabilitation, physiotherapy has led to better physical function for as long as 30 months after completing the treatment. Within this program specifically, the approach was personalized for each patient and integrated progressive exercises with self-management education and 12 supervised physiotherapeutic sessions, twice a week for six weeks.
Shoulder pain is also something millions of Canadians are dealing with on a frequent basis. Compared to ten years ago, nowadays, an increasing number of people are choosing medicines like opioids and injections, or surgery without being aware of the less invasive options. Seven times more patients are undergoing surgical interventions in an effort to alleviate shoulder pain, in spite of the fact that there is no evidence to support this options provides more benefits than physiotherapy for example. The report also revealed that when dealing with ‘frozen shoulder’, a conservative approach can make a significant difference in both long and short term results.
While there is still a long way to go, encouraging the access to specialized physiotherapy services can shift the current standard of treatment for the better. Due to its patient-centric approach which aims to empower the patient in taking control of their condition and taking up more active and healthy lifestyle, the therapy is bound to change the lives of millions.
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Company Name: Strive Physiotherapy & Performance
Contact Person: Mike Major
Email: Send Email
Phone: 519-895-2020
Address:260 Doon South Drive, Unit 8
City: Kitchener
State: Ontario N2P 2L8
Country: Canada
Website: http://www.strivept.ca/