Dedicated emergency department physical therapy is associated with reduced imaging, opioid administration, and length of stay: A prospective observational study

Abstract

In our experience, being seen by a physical therapist for MSK pain within the ED was associated with reduced use of imaging and time spent in the ED. Patients seeing a Physical Therapist were also less likely to receive an opioid prescription within the ED, a potentially significant finding given the need for opioid reduction strategies.