Physiotherapist-led care cuts ED wait times for musculoskeletal patients

A recent randomized controlled trial conducted by the University of Sydney has shown that physiotherapist‑led care can markedly shorten both waiting and treatment times for patients with musculoskeletal complaints in emergency departments. The study, published in BMJ Open, followed 1,491 individuals who presented with back pain, fractures, dislocations and other musculoskeletal conditions across five hospitals in New South Wales between November 2023 and March 2025. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard emergency department care or a care pathway that incorporated early physiotherapy assessment and intervention.

Results indicated that the physiotherapist‑led group experienced significantly reduced time spent waiting for treatment and overall length of stay in the emergency department. The study’s authors suggest that early mobilization and targeted pain management by physiotherapists may accelerate recovery and free up critical resources in busy emergency settings. The research adds to a growing body of evidence supporting multidisciplinary approaches to acute musculoskeletal care.

These findings could inform policy decisions regarding staffing and workflow in emergency departments, potentially improving patient throughput and satisfaction while reducing healthcare costs. Further research will be needed to evaluate long‑term outcomes and cost‑effectiveness, but the study provides a compelling case for integrating physiotherapy into acute care pathways for musculoskeletal injuries.