Is orthopaedic manipulative physical therapy not fashionable anymore? Lessons learned from 2016 IFOMPT meeting and future directions

TECAR Therapy Associated with High-Intensity Laser Therapy (Hilt) and Manual Therapy in the Treatment of Muscle Disorders: A Literature Review on the Theorised Effects Supporting Their Use

Background: It has been estimated that between 30 and 50 per cent of all injuries that take place throughout participation in a sport are the consequence of soft tissue injuries, and muscle injuries are the primary cause of physical disability. Methods: The current literature review was designed between October 2021 and April 2022, according to the PRISMA standards, using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. At the screening stage, we eliminated articles that did not fit into the themes developed in all subchapters of the study (n = 70), articles that dealt exclusively with orthopaedics (n = 34), 29 articles because the articles had only the abstract visible, and 17 articles that dealt exclusively with other techniques for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The initial search revealed 343 titles in the databases, from which 56 duplicate articles were automatically removed, and 2 were added from other sources. Results: The combination of these three techniques results in the following advantages: It increases joint mobility, especially in stiff joints, it increases the range of motion, accelerates tissue repair, improves tissue stability, and extensibility, and it reduces soft tissue inflammation (manual therapy). In addition, it decreases the concentration of pro-inflammatory mediators and improves capillary permeability, resulting in the total eradication of inflammation (HILT). It warms the deep tissues, stimulates vascularity, promotes the repose of tissues (particularly muscle tissue), and stimulates drainage (TECAR). Conclusions: TECAR therapy, combined with manual therapy and High-Intensity Laser therapy in treating muscle diseases, presented optimal collaboration in the recovery process of all muscle diseases.

Knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of spinal manipulation: a cross-sectional survey of Italian physiotherapists

Background and Objective

High-velocity low-amplitude thrust spinal manipulation (SM) is a recommended and commonly used manual therapy intervention in physiotherapy. Beliefs surrounding the safety and effectiveness of SM have challenged its use, and even advocated for its abandonment. Our study aimed to investigate the knowledge and beliefs surrounding SM by Italian physiotherapists compared with similar practitioners in other countries.

Methods

An online survey with 41 questions was adapted from previous surveys and was distributed via a mailing list of the Italian Physiotherapists Association (March 22–26, 2020). The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections to capture information on participant demographics, utilization, potential barriers, and knowledge about SM. Questions were differentiated between spinal regions. Attitudes towards different spinal regions, attributes associated with beliefs, and the influence of previous educational background were each evaluated.

Results

Of the 7398 registered physiotherapists, 575 (7.8%) completed the survey and were included for analysis. The majority of respondents perceived SM as safe and effective when applied to the thoracic (74.1%) and lumbar (72.2%) spines; whereas, a smaller proportion viewed SM to the upper cervical spine (56.8%) as safe and effective. Respondents reported they were less likely to provide and feel comfortable with upper cervical SM (respectively, 27.5% and 48.5%) compared to the thoracic (respectively, 52.2% and 74.8%) and lumbar spines (respectively, 46.3% and 74.3%). Most physiotherapists (70.4%) agreed they would perform additional screening prior to upper cervical SM compared to other spinal regions. Respondents who were aware of clinical prediction rules were more likely to report being comfortable with SM (OR 2.38–3.69) and to perceive it as safe (OR 1.75–3.12). Finally, physiotherapists without musculoskeletal specialization, especially those with a traditional manual therapy background, were more likely to perform additional screening prior to SM, use SM less frequently, report being less comfortable performing SM, and report upper cervical SM as less safe (p < 0.001).

Discussion

The beliefs and attitudes of physiotherapists surrounding the use of SM are significantly different when comparing the upper cervical spine to other spinal regions. An educational background in traditional manual therapy significantly influences beliefs and attitudes. We propose an updated framework on evidence-based SM.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12998-022-00449-x.

How manual therapy provided a gateway to a biopsychosocial management approach in an adult with chronic post-surgical low back pain: a case report

BACKGROUND

The management of patients with chronic post-surgical low back pain can be very challenging to surgeons, physiotherapists, and patients alike. Subsequent surgery is often associated with post-operative complications and even lower levels of success than the initial spinal surgery. Physiotherapy is often recommended as the first-line management, however, debate exists amongst physiotherapists regarding the optimal treatment strategy. A key focus of this debate has been the use of manual therapy in chronic pain populations, leading clinicians to reevaluate its use.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 44-year-old female presented to physiotherapy with a 13-year history of persistent pain, having had a spinal fusion 12 years prior, following a skiing accident. Her primary complaints were pain and decreased self-efficacy. The patient was treated with a 12-week multimodal approach consisting of manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and pain neuroscience education.

OUTCOMES

The patient had a significant reduction in the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire Physical Activity Subscale (FABQ-PA) scores following the intervention. She returned to running and cycling, reporting that pain was something she would 'work with instead of against'.

DISCUSSION

This case study suggests that manual therapy can enhance an individualized biopsychosocial approach in the physiotherapy management of a patient with chronic post-surgical low back pain. Further research is needed to evaluate optimal intervention dosages and effective strategies in the management of patients with chronic low back pain following spinal surgery.

Manual therapy: Exploiting the role of human touch

INTRODUCTION

The physiotherapy approach to musculoskeletal pain is currently pointing more towards a hands-off management of patients by education and exercise therapy. However, hands-on techniques still represent a core element of musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice appreciated by patients and widely taught in educational program and clinical professional development training.

PURPOSE

This professional issue explain why hands-on techniques may be considered a specific form of touch and outlines the importance of having a deep and wider understanding of their action mechanisms. Three aspects of the human touch, namely analgesic, affective and somatoperceptual are considered in light of the current literature.

IMPLICATIONS

The view of hands-on techniques as a specific form of human touch implies a change of perspective. Primarily, manual therapy techniques are based on the physical properties of the delivered stimulus (requiring knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and neurophysiology) as well as on the emotional properties that emerge from the sympathetic contact established with the patient. Secondarily, the manual therapists should develop relationship and communicative skills allowing this kind of touch to emerge. Thirdly, accordingly with this new perspective, the study of the multifaceted mechanisms of action of hands-on techniques requires a multidisciplinary team of researchers including specialists apparently far from the clinical field. Finally, the recognition of the therapeutic value of touch as one of the most qualifying professional acts of physiotherapists is needed and guarantees patients of its best evidence-based delivering.