Did You Know . . .
A 2017 study by ATI Physical Therapy, My Health First Network, BCBS and Greenville Health System (GHS) found that 70% of patients that utilized physical therapy first for spine, shoulder and knee pain were successfully treated without the use of imaging, prescription medicine or additional physician visits.
“This research partnership utilized a ‘PT first’ approach to manage musculoskeletal [spine, shoulder and neck] complaints to improve access to care while reducing treatment,” said Chris Stout, PhD and former Vice President of ATI’s Department of Research and Data Analytics.
The study revealed that physical therapy should be considered a first-line approach to treating chronic pain. Moreover, using routine PT not only greatly improved patient outcomes in terms of pain management and relief, it also significantly reduced the added costs of imaging, the need for surgery, and the use of unnecessary opioids.
To this day, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to align its recommendations to complement the study’s findings – encouraging physicians to try nonpharmacologic therapies, like physical therapy, as a first-line of defense against chronic pain rather than opioids.
“Access to physical therapy is a simple, cost-effective way to address many common aches and pains that affect much of the population,” said Ed Maher, physical therapist and former Vice President of Operations for ATI Physical Therapy. “At ATI, we have streamlined the entire process, giving our patients easy access to care within 24-48 hours. In many cases, a doctor’s referral is not required. Plus, ATI will coordinate and verify all insurance benefits for patients, so there is no second-guessing.”
If you suffer from chronic pain, ATI makes it easy and convenient to begin treatment. Our therapists want to provide you with top-level care to help you get back to living a better life.
The ATI Physical Therapy Advantage:
- No doctor referral needed (NOTE: insurance may require referral)
- Scheduling of your first appointment in 48 hours
- Locations close to home /work
- Open 7 am – 7 pm to fit your schedule
- Highly qualified / trained staff
- Comprehensive, individualized treatment plans with hands-on therapy
- Diverse, goal-oriented specialty services
- State-of-the-art clinics and technology
- Personalized communication with you and your doctor
- Complimentary injury screenings