Effect of physical therapy timing on patient-reported outcomes for individuals with acute low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. McDevitt, Amuy DPT.

 

Dr Wolff’s Opinion:

This review article promotes that activity in the form of early Physical Therapy (PT) is helpful in reducing short -term pain and disability (up to six weeks) over delayed PT or no PT in the early stages of acute low back pain. There was no long-term difference (six months or longer).  Based on this, enrolling in PT early or promoting controlled “activity as tolerated in a HEP” should be encouraged to aid with “quicker” improvement and recovery.

 

McDevitt AW, Cooper CG, Friedrich JM, Anderson DJM, Arnold EA, Clewley DJ. Effect of physical therapy timing on patient-reported outcomes for individuals with acute low back pain: A systematic review with meta analysis of randomized controlled trials. PM R. 2023 Nov;15(11):1466-1477. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12984. Epub 2023 Jul 10. PMID: 37041724.