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Study: Physicians prescribing medication over physical therapy for OA

Rehab Private Practice Alert, November 23, 2005

A recent study shows that physicians are often prescribing medication and not physical therapy for patients with osteoarthritis (OA), even against patient wishes, according to the Doctor's Guide.

The study, done at King's College in London, showed that of the 418 patients with chronic knee pain questioned, 82% had received some form of anti-inflammatory drug, while 40% said they received physical therapy. The overlap took place because some received both.

While most of the patients said they had no preference in how they were treated, of those with a preference, most said they would rather undergo physical therapy than receive drugs.

The study suggests physicians need to talk with their patients more about what course of treatment they would prefer when alternatives exist.

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