Millions of Americans suffer from physical pain, yet few are getting access to the treatment they need to improve their quality of life. By bringing telemedicine to physical therapy, PTs can reach more people early on to improve quality of life, lower their overall health costs, and reduce opioid addictions and unnecessary surgeries.
Musculoskeletal diseases affect more than one out of every two persons in the United States age 18 and over, and nearly three out of four age 65 and over (cite: BoneandJointBurden.org). Yet of all patients with neuromusculoskeletal issues, only about 8% seek out rehab therapy (WebPT). Although treatments delivered by PTs are supported as a first-line treatment for lower back pain, PT referral rates remain low. There also exists disparately lower referral rates in populations with more restrictive health plans and simultaneous opioid prescription.