It has been reported that the rates of physicians referring MSK patients to Physical therapists have been declining for many years. Almost a decrease of about fifty percent is observed regarding the rates of referral to PTs for MSK disorders from 2003 to 2014.

The data reports that to get a faster diagnosis and outcomes, patients are often prescribed different imaging tests, scans, and opioids instead of simple yet effective physical therapy. MSK disorders can be effectively treated if patients adhere to their prescribed therapy plans. And the burden on the healthcare budget could be reduced if exercises are prescribed as more than 185 billion dollars have been consumed for MSK-related issues.,

Dr. Ken Harwood, lead author of The George Washington University said, “We found important relationships among physical therapy intervention, utilization, and cost of services and the effect on opioid prescriptions.” According to the data reported by Health Services Research, patients who follow physical therapy for their MSK conditions have an 89% lower probability to get opioid prescriptions and utilize considerably less high-cost healthcare services. The data indicates that if physicians refer patients with MSK pains directly to PTs, the outcomes can be improved. The primary care providers need to assess the need for physical therapy and rehabilitation again and make physical therapists part of the primary care team to effectively treat MSK pains.

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