HOW TO REDUCE THE COST OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
                     HOW TO REDUCE 
THE COST OF 
MUSCULOSKELETA
L DISORDERS
http://www.virtualphysicaltherapists.com/
80% Reduction in MSD COSTS
How is it possible to save 80% in MUSCULOSKELETAL (MSD) care? – Simple by following the research!
A few years ago, the Lancet journal published a series of articles addressing the musculoskeletal 
epidemic.  The focus was on LBP because it is the number one cause of pain and disability 
worldwide.  The researchers outlined therapies that were linked to poor outcomes as well as clinical 
guidelines for successful management of LBP:
1.Provide education that supports self-management – currently, only 20% of those with LBP receive 
education.
2.Remain active and at work – rest continues to be commonly advised
3.Reserve Imaging for red flags or potential other diagnoses – 54% of those in the USA with LBP with no 
red flags receive imaging.
3.The first choice of treatment should be non-pharmaceutical – 64% -90% of those with LBP receive 
medication as the first therapy
4.Advise against electrical modalities (Electric stimulation, traction, short-wave diathermy, ultrasound) 
– these modalities are still commonly used by PT/chiropractors and advised by physicians
5.Avoid opioid analgesics – improvement is seen here but only a decade ago 2009 60% with LBP 
received an opioid prescription.
6.Injections and surgeries “have a very limited role if any” – spinal fusions have increased by 600% and 
injections
7.A biopsychosocial framework should guide management of LBP – only 8.4% of those with LBP receive 
cognitive therapy and only 12% with chronic pain
8.Exercise is recommended for chronic LBP – only 54% of those in the USA with chronic LBP have ever 
been prescribed exercise
https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(18)30489-6.pdf
50(17.1%)
Enter Virtual Physical Therapists!
All of our clinicians must be Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis on top of being state-licensed.  This added 
certification is to ensure that each patient receives the highest level of care.
During our virtual visit, a thorough mechanical assessment is performed to determine the root cause of 
your symptoms.  Treatment is focused on education and self-care.
Because of our high-quality clinicians, patients are able to return to pain-free activity with fewer visits 
and huge cost savings!
We are proud to be a recipient of the 2020 Health Value Award for Musculoskeletal Management by the 
Validation Institute. This award showcases health care organizations that demonstrate better and more 
transparent health outcomes, costs, and safety than conventional care.
VIRTUAL 
PHYSICAL 
THERAPISTS
[email protected]
HTTP://WWW.VIRTUALPHYSICALTHERAPISTS.COM/
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