By Caitlan Skillicorn, Senior Physiotherapist on behalf of the Healthfix Physiotherapy team
Hello, Healthfix Community!
At Healthfix, we’re committed to your well-being and providing the best care possible. Today, we want to share our perspective on a recent study that’s been making waves in the world of healthcare. It’s a study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, and it highlights something that resonates deeply with our approach to physiotherapy and holistic care here at Healthfix.
The Study in Question
The study we’re talking about reveals a simple yet powerful idea: when it comes to acute low back pain, your initial choice of care matters. The research, published in the journal Physical Therapy, suggests that those who begin their journey with physiotherapy tend to experience shorter episodes of pain and spend less on healthcare in the long run.
Why Does This Matter to Us?
As physiotherapists at Healthfix, we’ve always believed in the transformative power of early intervention and a holistic approach to managing low back pain. This study supports our stance and offers validation to what we’ve seen in our practice every day.
Local Relevance
Now, you might be thinking, “But this study was conducted in the United States. How does it relate to my experience here in Australia?” Great question! While the study originates from across the ocean, the principles it highlights are remarkably relevant to our healthcare landscape.
Understanding the Findings
Let’s break down some of the key findings and why they matter to you as someone dealing with acute low back pain:
- Time to Pain Relief: The study showed that those who initially sought care from physiotherapists experienced faster relief compared to those who went down other paths (GP, Hospital or medication). This aligns perfectly with our belief that early intervention can make a significant difference in your pain journey.
- Cost of Care: Choosing physiotherapy care as your first step resulted in lower healthcare costs. Who doesn’t appreciate saving money while getting the best care possible?
- High-Cost Interventions: The study also found that those who started with physiotherapy were less likely to receive high-cost procedures. This means a potentially smoother, more cost-effective healing process as well as being more likely to avoid a surgical intervention.
- Opioid Prescriptions: Here’s something we’re all too familiar with in Australia—the concerns around opioid usage. The study highlights that choosing physiotherapy can reduce the need for opioids, aligning with our commitment to safer, non-pharmacological approaches to pain management.
Our Commitment to You
At Healthfix, we’re more than just physiotherapists. We’re your partners in your journey toward wellness. We’re passionate about providing not only the best care but also a holistic experience that addresses the root causes of your pain.
We understand that the traditional approach to managing low back pain may not always be the most effective or cost-efficient. That’s why we’re excited about this study—it supports our belief that early intervention with physiotherapy can lead to better outcomes for you.
What We Offer
Beyond physiotherapy, we’re here to provide a comprehensive approach to your well-being. Our services extend to health coaching, dietetics, pain psychology and exercise. We’re dedicated to ensuring that you receive the most suitable and effective care reducing the chance of needing surgical interventions, injections, or opioids.
Join Us in Shaping a Better Path
We invite you to join us in reshaping the way we think about managing acute low back pain. Let’s ask the important questions:
Why shouldn’t physiotherapists be the primary musculoskeletal providers?
How can we better integrate physiotherapy into emergency departments and primary care?
By choosing physiotherapy as your first step in your low back pain journey, you’re not only helping yourself but also contributing to a shift in healthcare that prioritises holistic wellness.
Conclusion
At Healthfix, we support the idea that your first choice in healthcare matters, and we’re here to provide you with the best possible care. Whether you’re already a part of our community or considering us for your healthcare needs, know that we’re here to support you on your path to wellness.
Have questions or need guidance on managing your low back pain? Reach out to us today, and one of our expert physiotherapy team members will provide the answers and support you need. We’re here to help you on your journey to a more comfortable, healthier life.
Reference
UPMC. (2023, September 26). Managing Low Back Pain. UPMC HealthBeat. https://www.upmc.com/media/news/092623-low-back-pain