Testing physical therapy in emergency departments for back pain relief
A Multi-Site Feasibility Trial of Embedded Emergency Department Physical Therapy for Back Pain
This study is looking at whether having physical therapists in emergency rooms can help people with low back pain feel better faster and rely less on pain medications like opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10868852 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of having physical therapists embedded in emergency departments to treat patients with low back pain. By providing immediate physical therapy, the goal is to alleviate pain and reduce reliance on opioid medications, which are commonly prescribed for this condition. The study will assess whether this approach can lead to better outcomes for patients compared to traditional emergency care methods. Patients will be evaluated and treated by physical therapists as part of their emergency care team.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing acute low back pain who visit emergency departments for treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic back pain or those who do not seek emergency care for their condition may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management and reduced opioid use for patients suffering from low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that early referral to physical therapy can be effective for low back pain, but this specific approach in emergency departments is novel.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Howard S — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kim, Howard S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.