Phsyios can help people with back pain
A study in the latest Australian Health Review adds further weight to the growing evidence that physiotherapists should have a role in triaging patients with lower back pain to increase efficiency in the health system.
Patients referred by a GP to an orthopedic surgeon wait between six months and two years. The study found that after an approximately nine week wait, patients were able to see a physiotherapist and most importantly, 67% of those triaged in the physiotherapy led clinic went on to not require an orthopedic surgery consultation.
“With low back pain the principal cause of disability and absenteeism in Australia, it is incumbent upon state and Federal Governments to use the evidence provided in studies like these to reform the system to provide better health outcomes for these patients,” said Australian Physiotherapy Association president, Pat Maher.
“It is particularly timely given the Rudd Government’s rhetoric around improved primary health care and the Federal Health Minister’s comments at the Australian General Practice,” he said.
