INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO PAIN MANAGEMENT: THE ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Abstract

Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders (CMDs) represent one of the most significant global health concerns and are estimated to affect 1.71 billion individuals thereby causing disability, mobility impairments, and limitation of activities and participation. The increasing incidence of CMDs is attributed to an increase in population growth and aging. Chronic musculoskeletal pain, one of the key features of CMDs, requires new approaches to the enhancement of functional abilities and actualization of the quality of life. Physiotherapy has become one of the key approaches to managing CMD by providing non-drug treatments based on the patients’ characteristics. Following that, this study aims to evaluate the impact of physiotherapy interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, eHealth, and multimodal approaches, on pain management, functionality, and quality of life in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. A qualitative synthesis of 12 articles following systemic literature review approach was made. Multiple databases were searched using keyword search strategy and PEO framework was used to draft the research question. Interventions incorporated CBT, biobehavioral mechanisms, tele-rehabilitation and client centered rehabilitation protocols. The results showed that physiotherapy interventions led to reduced pain, better functional outcomes and improved quality of life across all the identified themes. Telerehabilitation and eHealth strategies provided more convenient and satisfactory experiences for patients. Both multimodal and personalized strategy had a positive long-term effect in the reduction of symptoms and disability, thus reaffirming the need to incorporate digital solutions with conventional physiotherapy. In conclusion, physiotherapy interventions effectively manage pain and improve quality of life for MSDs, necessitating further research for enhanced implementation.