Physiotherapy Treatment Preferences for Common Musculoskeletal Problems across Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are the frequent and serious hazards of the health in the overall world. Poor guidance to the individuals with musculoskeletal disorders can cause increase in intensity of pain and can alter the disability factor Physiotherapists have a major role in dealing musculoskeletal disorders as they use their clinical expertise to access and treat patients in order to reduce and relieve the pain and treat muscle weakness, loss of stability, and limited functional disabilities Objective: To determine the physiotherapy treatment preferences for common musculoskeletal problems across Pakistan. Material and Method: In this study 5 point likert scale was used to check the treatment preferences in which some are strongly agree, agree, while on the other hand some are disagree and strongly disagree and some shows no response or neutral reactions. Results: table 1 A total of 217 physiotherapists participated in the study. Out of total 54.8% were males and 45.2% were females. Their treatment preferences for 14 common musculoskeletal disorders of upper extremity, lower extremity and spine were asked and responses were recorded in the form of 5 point Likert scale Conclusion The most preferred treatment options were cryotherapy for Ankle Sprain, pain medication for Frozen Shoulder, anti-inflammatory agents for Plantar Fasciitis, heel lifts for Achilles Tendonitis, cervical mobilization/manipulation for Neck Pain, nerve gliding exercises for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, strengthening exercises for Golfer Elbow, manual therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis, stretching for Piriformis Syndrome, therapeutic exercises for Hip Osteoarthritis, pain medication for Tennis Elbow, electrotherapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, strengthening exercises for Low Back Pain, range of motion exercises for Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, and strengthening exercises for SIJ Dysfunct.