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Physical Therapy Treatment and the Impact of Behavioral Health Concerns

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Behavioral Health Disability

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Abstract

Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are involved in the treatment of people with movement dysfunction and pain, and also provide services to promote health and wellness in order to prevent injury and the progression of symptoms, impairments, and activity limitations in a person with an illness or injury. The prevalence of physical disabilities caused by musculoskeletal conditions has been estimated at 4–5% of the population (The Journal of Rheumatology. Supplement 19:1020–1030, 1992). Given the economic and human costs of musculoskeletal injuries and illness, it is important that physical therapy treatment be effective. Successful physical therapy treatment requires the participation of the individual being treated, so biopsychosocial barriers to the individual’s participation need to be both recognized and addressed. The purpose of this chapter is to ascertain how PTs and PTAs can recognize when recovery is impacted by these psychological and behavioral conditions, and identify treatment strategies to effectively address them during physical therapy treatment, including optimal communication to members of the healthcare team. This exploration will include consideration of the multifactorial issues affecting both the PT and the individual’s approach and responses during treatment. Moreover, the discussion will address how these concerns may manifest during treatment, and methods available to the therapist to identify the individual’s perceived pain and function. Specific strategies for managing those individuals with pain-focused behavior, sometimes referred to as a cognitive behavioral approach, are addressed. Moreover, attention will be paid to those strategies therapists can use to positively impact treatment adherence. Lastly, of great importance, those factors that impact on the individual’s adherence to therapy as well as the ability to both stay at and return to work are discussed in order to greatly enhance treatment outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. American Board of Disability Analysts, IMX Medical Management Services, Bala Cynwyd, USA

    Jill S. Galper (VP, Occupational Health Services Fellow)

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  1. Jill S. Galper
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Correspondence to Jill S. Galper .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Carle Physician Group, Urbana, 61801-2302, Illinois, USA

    Pamela A. Warren

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Galper, J.S. (2010). Physical Therapy Treatment and the Impact of Behavioral Health Concerns. In: Warren, P. (eds) Behavioral Health Disability. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09814-2_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09814-2_7

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