Low-complexity, low severity injuries are a silent thorn in the side of workers’ compensation, making up more than a third of all injuries. These injuries, normally back pain, sprains, and muscle strains, can sideline the workforce and slow down productivity. All while sometimes taking much longer to heal than they medically should and driving up costs along the way. However, we have an often-overlooked and underused strategy we can employ for most of these injuries: Early PT Intervention.

We are all familiar with the normal process. Generally speaking, it goes like this: The employee reports the injury and then may speak to a nurse, or is sent directly to a physician. The physician orders diagnostics or follow up visits, then prescribes physical therapy to the injured worker. After the employee is scheduled, treatment begins. From injury to treatment, this process can take far too long.

However, there is a better way. Inspired by physical therapy research inside and outside workers’ compensation, there is a strategy that may seem revolutionary inside our corner of the world: early PT intervention. A 2020 Workers Compensation Research Institute Study says this strategy involves seeing a physical therapist within 14 days of injury. Treatment even earlier may be better for both the injured employee and the overall financial impact of the injury.

A novel approach for Workers’ Compensation, but Not the Rest of Healthcare
Early PT Intervention is not an entirely new practice. Most health insurance carriers outside Workers’ Compensation recognize the value of this method, reimbursing patients for early PT visits. Other carriers, and even the Department of Defense, have employed programs directing patients to skip the initial physician visit and treat with a PT immediately after an injury, all with success.

Research conducted by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) reinforces the effectiveness of this approach. A collaboration with the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Physical Therapy service line demonstrated a staggering $3.6 million reduction in healthcare costs by prioritizing Early PT Intervention.

This approach to treatment challenges the conventional process, and some may question physical therapists’ ability to replace an initial doctor’s visit or diagnostics. However, the strength lies in collaboration. Physical therapy training has evolved, equipping physical therapists with the expertise to perform comprehensive medical screenings. They can identify situations that may require additional diagnostics, such as X-rays, MRIs, or referrals to physicians and specialists.

When Early PT Intervention Works Best
Not all musculoskeletal injuries can be referred to Early PT. In a spectrum of cases, the majority of cases that are low on complexity and severity can be helped by Early PT Intervention, primarily soft tissue injuries.

For example, lower back pain often responds exceptionally well to targeted exercises, posture correction techniques, and ergonomic education. A 2020 Study by the WCRI says that for workers with low back pain, early initiation of PT (as defined by WCRI) is associated with lower utilization, lower costs and shorter duration of temporary disability.

While painful and requiring recovery, common soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains are no match for classic recovery techniques, including early mobilization and strengthening strategies. These respond best to a combination of rest, ice, heat, stretching, and strengthening exercises.

The benefits of Early PT? Undeniable.
Faster Recovery: Minimized delay between injury and treatment translates to faster recovery and a lower risk of complications.

Enhanced Recovery Protocol: Physical therapists assess the injury, craft personalized treatment plans, and guide workers through the recovery process, ensuring optimal healing.

Expedited Return to Work: By promoting faster healing and pain management, physical therapists accelerate workers’ return to their crucial roles

Lower Costs: Shorter treatment periods, fewer interventions, and faster return to work translates to a financial win. Early PT Intervention can help contain costs for both workers and employers.

A New Era for Musculoskeletal Care in Workers’ Compensation?
For those embracing the idea, the future looks bright, with a potential shift towards integrating physical therapists as primary care providers for the right musculoskeletal injuries. However, evolution will require further collaboration between PTs, physicians, employers, and carriers to guarantee optimal patient care and a streamlined healthcare system.

About Brian Peers
Brian Peers is a licensed physical therapist serving as MedRisk’s Vice President of Clinical Services and Provider Management. He is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the clinical quality of the MedRisk network.  He is board certified as an orthopedic clinical specialist and is recognized as an expert in rehabilitation of the injured worker. Prior to joining MedRisk, Dr. Peers was the owner and operator of an interdisciplinary rehab practice and has held faculty appointments at multiple physical therapy education programs. He has also served as an injury prevention consultant for multiple large corporations and the United States Department of Defense. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Physical Therapy degrees from St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, an MBA from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine, in St. Augustine, Florida.

“Brian Peers: The Overlooked (and incredibly effective) Soft Tissue Recovery Strategy” Workcompwire.com, https://www.workcompwire.com/2024/06/brian-peers-the-overlooked-and-incredibly-effective-soft-tissue-recovery-strategy/