Clinical and functional assessment in the rehabilitation of the patient with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Abstract

Background. Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a common issue that impacts a large part of the population, resulting in functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Despite its prevalence, some still see CMP as a symptom of another disease rather than a distinct condition. Chronic pain is a significant medical issue that affects many individuals daily. Aim of study: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical and functional assessment tools in the rehabilitation of patients with CMP, focusing on improving pain control, functional ability and quality of life in general. Material and methods. Based on peer-reviewed articles from 2019 to 2024 on PubMed, Google Scholar database, Research Gate, on the keyword “musculoskeletal pain during rehabilitation”. Results. Considering that CMP is a multidimensional and complex clinical condition, current recommendations for evaluating CMP are based on the biopsychosocial model of health care, which clinicians should apply takes a practical integrated management approach, starting with an assessment that focuses not only on pain but on pain in general people. Clinical guidelines recommend disability assessment as the highest priority when dealing with people with chronic pain. Importantly, people with CMP or higher with higher disability were eight times more likely to seek care than those with low disability. Conclusion. The healthcare community must elevate the discussion of CMP management beyond pain, to include the significant benefits that improved functional outcomes bring to patients. Functional improvement is the second most valued treatment expectation in pain patients (first is pain control), highlighting the value that patients place on this factor.