Embedded ED Physical Therapy for Back Pain in the Emergency Department

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project tests a hands-on physical therapy approach in the emergency department for adults with acute low back pain. A trained ED-embedded physical therapist evaluates and treats patients early during the ED visit and follow-up, aiming to relieve pain and improve function. The study builds on prior pilot work to determine feasibility, safety, and potential benefits of bringing PT directly into the ED setting. If successful, this approach could offer a non-pharmacologic option that minimizes opioid exposure for patients with back pain.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Northwestern University
  Chicago, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Kim, Howard S — Northwestern University
• Study coordinator: Kim, Howard S

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Improving back-pain care in rural areas with tele-physical therapy

  This project tests a tele-rehabilitation program to help adults with chronic low back pain in rural communities access physical therapy and reduce opioid use.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11412950

• Psilocybin for Chronic Back Pain: Brain Signals and Real-World Therapy Outcomes

  A patient-facing study will test whether a carefully controlled psilocybin treatment can improve body awareness and enhance physical therapy outcomes for people with chronic low back pain.

  NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11359203

• Remote physical therapy to ease chronic low back pain and cut opioid use in rural communities

  This project offers remote physical therapy to people with long-term low back pain in rural areas to help them move better and depend less on opioid pain medicines.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11194520

• Emergency department physical therapy for low back pain

  Seeing if having a physical therapist work inside the emergency room helps people with sudden low back pain recover faster and use fewer opioids.

  NIH research Northwestern University · Chicago, United States · NIH-11170393

• Improving access to physical therapy for chronic low back pain in rural areas using telehealth.

  This study is looking to make physical therapy easier for people with chronic low back pain living in rural areas by using online sessions, so you can get the help you need without worrying about travel or finding a therapist nearby.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11163083

• Using physical therapy in emergency departments to treat acute low back pain

  This study is looking at how adding physical therapy right in the emergency room can help people with sudden low back pain feel better and move easier, while also reducing the need for pain medications and unnecessary scans.

  NIH research Northwestern University at Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-10876918

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.