Physical therapy in the Emergency Department: A prospective cohort study from an Alternatives to Opioids program

Abstract Objective Musculoskeletal pain complaints are common in the emergency department (ED). The objective of this study was to determine the impact of physical therapy (PT) in the ED on pain and ED return. Methods A prospective cohort study was performed with those presenting to the ED or Urgent Care at a single academic center for musculoskeletal pain between November 2020 and December 2022. All patients were referred to outpatient PT. During business hours, PT was available to begin treatment in the ED. Long‐term follow‐up was performed using the electronic health records. Statistical analyses included descriptive and non‐parametric pairwise comparisons, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression. Results A total of 974 patients were included in the study with 553 completing optional surveys. Back pain was most common. Pain was reduced at ED discharge for all patients, but pain was significantly improved if patients saw PT in the ED. Patients in the ED were less likely to keep their outpatient PT appointments than others, but importantly, patients who saw PT in the ED were less likely to return to the ED for the same complaint up to 1 year later. Those who kept PT appointments were likely to establish or maintain healthcare outside emergency services later. Conclusions Initiating PT in this ED reduces pain at ED discharge. However, patients who utilized PT were more likely to later utilize health care resources outside of emergency services. Those who saw PT in this ED were less likely to return to the ED for the same complaint up to 1 year later.