I’m kind of in love with this trend about propaganda we aren’t falling for anymore. Let’s take a spin through the myths, misconceptions, and straight-up propaganda that still surround physical therapy in the Emergency Department.
Despite the rising prevalence of physical and occupational therapists in the ED, there continue to be people who have never heard of it or just don’t get it.
Here’s what we’ve been told. And here’s what we know.
Propaganda: “Physical therapists don’t belong in the Emergency Department.”
Reality: We’re already here—and when we are, patients get better care. The data shows that we make patients better and happier. Providers too! We also help decrease throughput time, unnecessary imaging, opioid prescription, and more. We can be the right provider at the right time in this setting.
Mic drop: Don’t confuse your unfamiliarity with unfitness. Physical therapists are doctors with a unique skillset and we’re here to help.
Propaganda: “EDs are too fast-paced for PT to be effective.”
Reality: Our care is fast and effective. We’re trained to triage, make real-time decisions, and work within the tempo of emergency care. While we may spend more hands-on time with patients this results in decreasing unnecessary admissions, consults, imaging, bounceback, and more. All of that saves time.
Mic drop: We don’t slow things down—we streamline what matters.
Propaganda: “Just send them to outpatient.”
Reality: Some can’t go. Some won’t go. Some need care now. And PTs in the ED are the only ones catching that window.
Physical therapy is a luxury for many patients and we have work to do in that area. But realistically, sometimes this is the only place someone might be able to access a PT. Additionally, a lot of patients don’t know where they need to go, especially when pain and mobility are limited, patients are looking for help now.
Mic drop: Delayed care for convenience isn’t patient-centered. ED PT is.
Propaganda: “You can’t do anything without imaging anyway.”
Reality: Clinical reasoning is a diagnostic tool. Our assessments change the plan—sometimes saving the patient from unnecessary imaging altogether. Unnecessary imaging increases time, costs, and fears. Physical therapists in many states are licensed to order imaging and in every state are very clear on when to refer for imaging. Trust us, trust our judgement, and we’ll help save on imaging in your ED.
Mic drop: If you’re only ruling out, you’re missing the chance to rule in function.
Propaganda: “You’re just here for discharge recommendations.
Reality: Sure, we’re good at that. But we also manage dizziness, falls, mobility, discharge safety, and musculoskeletal triage across the body.
Mic drop: Safety is just the tip—we treat the whole MSK iceberg.
Propaganda: “There’s no money in ED PT.”
Reality: Fewer admissions. Avoided imaging. Faster throughput. Higher satisfaction. That’s value. And value is the future of healthcare. Physical therapists provide high quality low cost care. Money saved is money kept in the money pit of the emergency department.
Mic drop: When value drives your model, we’re already in the black.
Propaganda: “You’re not trained for this.”
Reality: We’re doctors of physical therapy. We can provide physical therapy anywhere. This setting is no different. Physical therapy is about care and management. Locations is pretty irrelevant.
Many of us are also fellowship-trained, board-certified, acute care tested. We didn’t wander in here—we prepared for this.
Mic drop: If you feel like your PTs aren’t trained for the ED we can help. We have resources, podcasts, continuing education, and consulting to streamline and optimize your practice.
Propaganda: “The ED is too chaotic for therapy.
Reality: We bring calm to the chaos. That’s literally our job—restore function, reduce suffering, and simplify next steps in complex environments.
Mic drop: We don’t avoid disasters. We help resolve them, piece by piece with the patient at the center.
Propaganda: “You’re just physical therapy.”
Reality: And yet—patients walk instead of getting admitted. Pain de-escalates. Imaging gets canceled. Providers breathe easier. We are just the experts in movement and movement drives function. Function drives life. So, I think I’m okay being a “just” a physical therapist.
Mic drop: If “just PT” changes or drives the care plan, maybe it’s time we redefine what “just” means.
Propaganda: “ED PT is just a trend.”
Reality: It’s not a trend. It’s a response to the gaps in emergency care. And it’s working. There are over 100 references sharing the benefits of emergency department physical therapist practice. It isn’t a trend, but it’s trending toward become standard of practice
Mic drop: Trends fade. Outcomes don’t.
This isn’t a wishlist. It’s a workforce.
ED physical therapist practice is here to stay—because we bring value, we reduce burden, and we raise the standard of care when it matters most.
If you’re in this work, keep pushing.
If you’re new to it, welcome.
And if you’re still skeptical?
Let’s connect and I’ll show you what we can do.
We’re not falling for the propaganda because we are the hype.
