Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR) Endorses Initiative to Help Orthopedic Patients

Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR) Endorses Initiative to Help Orthopedic Patients Whose Surgeries and Therapies Are Delayed Amidst COVID-19 Crisis

Among the many challenges faced by those in the physical therapy network is the cancellation of scheduled orthopedic surgeries and physical therapy sessions – a change that is rippling through patient communities. Additionally, physical therapists can provide guidance and encouragement to patients for their continued adherence to exercise programs. For Such a Time as This – OrthoChallenge gives hope to finding novel and effective ways to help patients during the current health crisis.

In light of this urgency, the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR) has endorsed an initiative to help orthopedic patients awaiting elective surgeries — For Such A Time As This – OrthoChallenge.

“We hope that our endorsement of this project will ultimately help expedite introduction of new products, software, and services that address the needs of orthopedic patients,” said FPTR CEO, Barbara Malm. “We empathize with those who have delayed their elective orthopedic procedures due to the stay at home mandates.”

The goal of For Such A Time As This – OrthoChallenge is to help expedite introduction of new product, software, and services that address the needs of orthopedic patients whose surgeries and therapies are delayed.  The top 10 ideas will be presented to the Food & Drug Administration and other government leaders to help “fast track” these innovations to patients. NovApproach Spine’s CEO, Raymond Cloutier, is sponsoring the program.

Marilyn Moffat, PT, is the Director of the DPT Program at New York University, a Past President of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and a current FPTR Trustee. “With the mandates to stay at home as much as possible, many individuals are having to delay their elective orthopedic surgical procedures. The need for guidance and encouragement to continue their exercise programs and physical activity that can be provided by a physical therapist becomes paramount,” said Moffat. “The ‘For Such A Time As This – OrthoChallenge’ gives hope that novel and effective ways of doing this can be brought to patients sooner.”

The submission deadline for this program is April 30, 2020. Learn more at https://forsuchatimeasthisortho.com/.