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Research: WRIGHT and SLUKA,
Listed in Issue 69
Abstract
WRIGHT and SLUKA, School of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, reviewed (156 references) evidence for the usefulness of physical therapies in the management of musculoskeletal pain .
Background
Several types of physical therapy are used in the management of painful musculoskeletal disorders, and can be broadly categorized as: electrotherapy modalities; acupuncture; thermal modalities; manual therapies; and exercise . Treatment parameters can vary significantly within each of these categories.
Methodology
The authors aimed to consider the available evidence related to clinical effectiveness for these main categories of therapy in the management of musculoskeletal pain, and to review evidence from basic science studies evaluating potentially therapeutic effects of the various therapies.
Results
Results of basic science research suggest that many of the therapies could have therapeutic effects . However, there is only a limited amount of high-quality evidence from randomized clinical trials supporting the therapeutic effectiveness of several of the therapies. Thus, some preliminary evidence supports the use of manual therapies, exercise and acupuncture in the management of some categories of musculoskeletal pain. The authors discuss limitations of the existing research base and give recommendations for areas of future research.
Conclusion
References
Wright A, Sluka KA. Nonpharmacological treatments for musculoskeletal pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain 17 (1): 33-46. Mar 2001.
Comment
It is encouraging that research is underway to assess the efficacy of a whole range of complementary therapies in the treatment of many conditions, from asthma to IBS, to musculoskeletal pain.
