Early physiotherapy could curb further back treatment
Tuesday 7th December 2010
Efforts by a professional in a physiotherapy job to relieve lower back pain could reduce incidence of further treatment later on, new research has suggested.
A US study revealed that Medicare patients who received physiotherapy for lower back pain in the acute phase were less likely to receive epidural steroid injections, lumbar surgery or frequent physician visits over a 12-month period than those that received treatment later.
The research, published in the journal Spine, also indicated that patients who saw a specialist initially to diagnose the problem were more likely to be referred to someone in a physiotherapy job than those evaluated by GPs.
Commenting on the findings, American Physical Therapy Association president Scott Ward explained that this could have widespread implications for the way those suffering with lower back pain are treated, particularly the elderly.
Age UK recently underlined the important role that physiotherapy and gentle exercise can play in reducing the likelihood of elderly people suffering falls.
The charity noted that programmes designed to improve balance and strength "can really prevent falls and make an enormous difference".
Written by Megan Smith
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