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Clinical Practice Guidelines

To support evidence-based practice, we provide relevant clinical practice guidelines for APTA members. (These were previously housed at PTNow.) 

These CPGs are based on a systematic review of the evidence and published by APTA, APTA sections and academies, or by other health care associations, organizations, and societies. None of the CPGs were written by individuals. APTA does not endorse any of these guidelines unless specifically noted.

Guidelines are provided to assist in clinical decision making, not to take the place of clinician judgment.

Some CPGs include a CPG+ analysis, a translation aid for applying CPGs to practice, including an Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II, or AGREE II, conducted by a team of experts.

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VA/DoD CPG for Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain (CPG+)

February 1, 2022 | CPG

Patient Age: 80 and over (80+), Young Adult (19-24), Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64), Adult (25-44)
Condition & Symptoms: Chronic Pain, Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain Medical Treatment Guidelines

December 20, 2021 | CPG

Patient Age: Aged (65+), Adult (25-44), Young Adult (19-24), Middle Aged (45-64)
Condition & Symptoms: Low Back Pain, Occupational Injuries

APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy: Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Revision 2021 (CPG+)

October 31, 2021 | CPG

Patient Age: 80 and over (80+), Adult (25-44), Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64), Young Adult (19-24)
Condition & Symptoms: Chronic Pain, Low Back Pain

APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy: Clinical Guidance to Optimize Work Participation After Injury or Illness: The Role of Physical Therapists (CPG+)

August 1, 2021 | CPG

Patient Age: Young Adult (19-24), Adult (25-44), Middle Aged (45-64)
Condition & Symptoms: Low Back Pain, Occupational Injuries

Low Back Pain and Sciatica in Over 16s: Assessment and Management [NICE NG59]

December 11, 2020 | CPG

Patient Age: Adolescent (13-18), 80 and over (80+), Young Adult (19-24), Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64), Adult (25-44)
Condition & Symptoms: Low Back Pain

Non-specific Low Back Pain

December 1, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64), 80 and over (80+), Adult (25-44)
Condition & Symptoms: Low Back Pain

Guideline for the Evidence-Informed Primary Care Management of Low Back Pain, Third Edition

July 1, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Adult (25-44), Young Adult (19-24), Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+)
Condition & Symptoms: Low Back Pain

Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians

April 4, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: 80 and over (80+), Adult (25-44), Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64)
Condition & Symptoms: Chronic Pain, Low Back Pain

Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline

April 4, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: 80 and over (80+), Adult (25-44), Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64), Young Adult (19-24)
Condition & Symptoms: Low Back Pain

American Osteopathic Association Guidelines for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) For Patients With Low Back Pain

August 1, 2016 | CPG

Patient Age: Middle Aged (45-64), Adult (25-44), Aged (65+), 80 and over (80+), Young Adult (19-24)
Condition & Symptoms: Low Back Pain