ARBOR-Telehealth study: an examination of telerehabilitation to improve function and reduce opioid use in persons with chronic low back pain in rural communities - protocol of a pragmatic, individually randomised group treatment trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Chronic low back pain (LBP) imposes significant burden on patients, healthcare systems and society. Physical therapy is a cost-effective method for improving pain and disability; however, only a small number of patients (7-13%) with LBP ever receive physical therapy services. Patients report obstacles to accessing physical therapy, such as transportation, provider availability and missed work. Access is especially limited in rural communities, where approximately 40% fewer physical therapists are available per capita than in metropolitan regions. This lack of access likely contributes to the greater rates of LBP-related disability and opioid consumption in rural communities. Innovative methods for improving access to physical therapy for patients with chronic LBP are u

SUBMITTER: Skolasky RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12161378 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature