In COVID-19 Pandemic, Americans Prefer to Tolerate Chronic Musculoskeletal (MSK) Pain

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are associated with occupational injuries, sports, and age-related dysfunction. Few of the most common MSK diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), osteoporosis, gout, myasthenia gravis, septic arthritis, and many. Musculoskeletal system is a diagnosis and management of all chronic and acute conditions affecting MSK system, i.e., bones, tendons, muscles, joints, and ligaments and treatment of non-surgical lesions of the MSK system.

Physical therapy is resulted as a productive and cost-effective means of treating most MSK pain, and if is opted as a treatment prior to visiting a primary care physician, helps patients to avoid MRIs, X-rays, opioids, and surgery. With this both time and money can be saved in the long run.

But, now many of the Americans are facing unemployment without healthcare benefits as the U.S economy is continuously struggling to regain its footing. Due to this scenario, seeking treatment for chronic MSK pain is something a rising number of citizens aren’t comfortable to pursue and pay for independently.

A recent survey revealed that despite high pain levels, 42% of Americans hesitate to pay out of pocket for medical services or procedures to alleviate chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. Harris Poll conducted an online survey between 4th and 8th June among 2,046 American adults ages 18 and older on behalf of ATI Physical Therapy (ATI).

Dr. Charles Thigpen, PhD, PT, ATC, Sr Director of Practice Innovation & Analytics for ATI stated, “The combination of precarious economic conditions and data indicating COVID-19 is still on the rise nationwide have created an uncertain marketplace for Americans to make healthcare decisions. This highlights the overall lack of awareness for affordable options for diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain issues”.

“What patients with chronic pain may not know is that over 70% of MSK conditions can be diagnosed and effectively treated by physical therapists without other medical care – even virtually during these uncertain times”, Dr. Charles further added.

The survey also reveals that as COVID-19 has affected the healthcare and costs for medical services are rising, employers are exploring better alternatives for healthcare benefits. Many companies are also now revising their insurance plans and offering physical therapy as a covered treatment option.

The rising prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases in previous few years is the major factor that is responsible for the growth of MSK diseases treatment market. According to the predictions by the research report published by The Insight Partners, the global MSK diseases treatment market will grow to US$ 5,730.8 Million in 2025 with a CAGR of 5.3% between 2018 and 2025.

Currently, North America is a largest geographic market and as per the expectations by analysts, it will also generate largest revenue in next five years. Additionally, with the growing focus of global industry players in India and Japan, rising funds in China, market will witness a significant growth rate in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.