The timing and type of physical therapy can directly impact workers’ compensation claim outcomes, according to MedRisk’s 2022 Outlook Industry Trends report.

The report released Thursday features several studies showing the benefits of early physical therapy, whether treatment targets low-back pain, knee injuries or neck pain.

“The type of therapy delivered matters, as well,” said Brian Peers, MedRisk’s vice president of clinical services and provider management. “When manual therapy is recommended, starting it early lowers the average medical cost per claim by 27%.”

The report includes an analysis of MedRisk data on the impact of early manual therapy.

In addition, MedRisk’s 2022 Outlook Industry Trends Report recaps 2021 legislative and regulatory decisions related to physical medicine in workers’ compensation and presents findings of research on patient satisfaction, psychosocial factors, chronic pain and COVID-19.

The report is available here.