This article provides a framework for classifying, managing and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for chronic pain. Although the target audience is primary care physicians, the section on outcome measures may be useful for physiotherapists trying to decide on what outcome measures to use to monitor patients' progress.
The classification of categories of chronic pain (based on primary pathophysiology) is appealing but it may be important to recognize the limitations of using these categories as there can be situations in which patients have more than one pathophysiology contributing to symptoms.
"The management of patients with chronic pain is one of the most important issues In medicine and public health. Chronic pain conditions cause substantial suffering for patients, their significant others and society over years and even decades and increases healthcare utilization resources including the cost of medical care, loss of productivity and provision of disability services.” – Taken from the abstract
It's an interesting read, and you can find it here.
Physio Finds is a monthly News Update in collaboration with PABC’s Knowledge Services Manager Terri McKellar.
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