A More Efficient and Cost-Effective Form of Healthcare

Soft tissue injuries and musculoskeletal disorders are most effectively treated by a Physical Therapist. So why does it take so long to get patients to Physical Therapy to receive treatment? Most patients see multiple physicians and receive multiple other treatments before even receiving an order for Physical Therapy, but in the end they eventually are referred to P.T. because the other treatments are not fixing the source of the pain.

There is a better way!--Physical Therapy first (#PTfirst)! The military has seen the value in this concept, so if a current soldier in the US Army starts to have knee pain, he sees the Physical Therapist (P.T.) first. The P.T. does an assessment and decides if he needs Physical Therapy, imaging, medication, or a referral to a specialist. If he needs therapy and gets better with P.T., then no other referrals, treatments or MD visits are required. It was the most efficient and cost-effective form of healthcare because it was assessed first by the most appropriate medical professional.

Some large corporations have learned the value of Physical Therapy first for their employees and dependents. Michelin is a perfect example, and they are setting the standard for optimal healthcare for treatment of soft tissue injuries. Michelin contracts Physical Therapists to be on-site for prevention of work injuries and for rapid assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Healthcare costs are sliced by utilizing Physical Therapy first. Reach out to me at www.PainTalks.org to find out more!