PRIMARY CARE PHYSIOTHERAPY IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS STRATEGIES FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL MANAGEMENT

ISBN-978-93-6175-640-5

The integration of physiotherapy services into emergency departments (EDs) represents an
evolving strategy for managing musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, which are among the
most common presentations in these settings. The increasing demand for emergency care,
driven by a combination of aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, and a rise in physical
injuries, has underscored the importance of specialized physiotherapeutic interventions.
These strategies aim to provide timely, targeted care for MSK injuries and conditions,
reducing the burden on emergency physicians while improving patient outcomes. Primary
care physiotherapy involves the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and management of
musculoskeletal complaints, streamlining the care pathway and reducing unnecessary
hospital admissions or referrals to secondary care. It also ensures that patients receive expert
advice, rehabilitation plans, and education on self-management techniques, which are crucial
for reducing recovery times and preventing future re-injury. In emergency departments,
musculoskeletal physiotherapists play a critical role in assessing both acute injuries and
chronic MSK conditions that may exacerbate due to trauma or physical stress. The scope of
physiotherapy services includes management of sprains, fractures, dislocations, and soft
tissue injuries, along with conditions like osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint diseases.