Physiotherapy Outcomes Are Associated With Shorter Waiting Times, More Treatment Sessions and Younger Age: Analysis of a Clinical Database.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect over 20.3 million people in the UK, presenting a substantial economic impact on health and social services. Physiotherapy can alleviate MSK conditions, especially if delivered in the acute or sub-acute period. However, patients often present after significant waiting times. Our analysis examined how waiting times and the number of treatments influenced physiotherapy outcomes for MSK conditions. Retrospective analysis of the Data for Impact, Physio First dataset. Logistic regression models assessed the effects of symptom duration, treatment frequency, and other variables on pain, Patient-Specific Functional Scores (PSFSs), and Goal Achievement (GA). Analysis of 15,624 patient records showed that patients treated within two weeks of symptom onset were more likely to have favourable outcomes in pain (odds ratio [OR]=2.01, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]=1.65-2.45), PSFS (OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.55-2.08), and GA (OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.51-2.01) compared to those treated after longer durations. Receiving four or more treatment sessions significantly improved outcomes compared with only one session (pain: OR=4.64, PSFS: OR=5.72, GA: OR=1.94, all p's<0.001), with no additional benefits beyond four sessions. Younger age was associated with better outcomes (approximately OR=0.99 per year age difference). Other findings included better outcomes in males and in those with fewer previous episodes of the condition. Shorter waiting times, a greater number of treatments, and younger patient age are associated with better physiotherapy outcomes for MSK conditions.