Physio power: study tests if therapists can replace doctors for ER back pain

This study looked at whether specially trained physiotherapists can safely assess, diagnose, and treat people with non-urgent muscle and joint problems (like back pain or sprains) in the emergency department. Over 100 adults were randomly assigned to see either a physiotherapist or a resident doctor. Senior doctors then checked the decisions made by both groups to see how well they agreed. The goal was to see if using physiotherapists could help reduce wait times and free up doctors for more serious cases.