Early Physical Therapy and EMS Interventions in Emergency Departments for Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries: Impact on Recovery Time and Hospital Throughput

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, Khamis Mushait, Aseer, KSA

2 Northern Armed Forces Hospital, KSA

3 Prince Sultan Military Medical City, KSA

4 King Salman Hospital in the Northwest, KSA

Abstract

Background: Acute musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, including strains, sprains, and fractures, account for 20–30% of emergency department (ED) visits, contributing to overcrowding and prolonged hospital stays. Traditional management relies on delayed outpatient physical therapy (PT) and pharmacologic interventions, which may lead to chronic pain and increased healthcare costs. Emerging evidence suggests that early PT and optimized emergency medical services (EMS) protocols can enhance recovery and reduce ED congestion.
Aim: This study evaluates the impact of early PT and EMS interventions on recovery time, hospital throughput, and patient outcomes in acute MSK injuries.
Methods: A review of clinical studies, retrospective analyses, and prospective trials was conducted, focusing on early PT in EDs and pre-hospital EMS interventions. Key outcomes included pain reduction, functional recovery, ED length of stay (LOS), and healthcare costs.
Results: Early PT significantly reduced pain (median score: 1 vs. 4 in delayed PT) and disability (9% vs. 33.4%). It also decreased ED revisits, opioid use, and costs ($3,806 vs. $8,689 per patient). EMS interventions, including early immobilization and triage, improved hospital throughput but lacked robust standalone evidence.
Conclusion: Integrating early PT and EMS protocols in EDs enhances recovery, reduces costs, and optimizes resource use. Barriers include staffing shortages and inconsistent implementation. Future research should focus on randomized trials and cost-effectiveness analyses.

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