Fritz, Julie M; Cleland, Joshua A; Speckman, Matthew; Brennan, Gerard P; Hunter, Stephen J.
Many patients with acute low back pain receive physical therapy. The objective of this study was to examine the association between adherence to the evidence-based recommendation for active physical therapy care and clinical outcomes along with subsequent healthcare utilization and charges for 1 year after completion of physical therapy.
There is an association between receiving active physical therapy and better clinical outcomes and reduced subsequent utilization of many common procedures used in the management of low back pain. The type of physical therapy received may have implications for subsequent health care utilization and costs.
Spine. 33(16):1800-1805