Publication
Title
Analgesic effects of manual therapy in patients with musculoskeletal pain : a systematic review
Author
Abstract
Background Current evidence shows that manual therapy elicits analgesic effect in different populations (healthy, pain inflicted and patients with musculoskeletal pain) when carried out at the spinal column, although the clinical significance of these effects remains unclear. Also the analgesic effects of manual therapy on peripheral joints have not been systematically reviewed. Methods A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA-guidelines. Manual therapy was defined as any manual induced articular motion with the aim of inducing analgesic effects. Outcome measure was pain threshold. Results A total of 13 randomized trials were included in the review. In 10 studies a significant effect was found. Pressure pain thresholds increased following spinal or peripheral manual techniques. In three studies both a local and widespread analgesic effect was found. No significant effect was found on thermal pain threshold. Discussion Moderate evidence indicated that manual therapy increased local pressure pain thresholds in musculoskeletal pain, immediately following the intervention. No consistent result was found on remote pressure pain threshold. No significant changes occured on thermal pain threshold values. The clinical relevance of these effects remains contradictory and therefore unclear.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Manual therapy / Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists. - Edinburgh
Publication
Edinburgh : 2015
ISSN
1356-689X
1356-689X
DOI
10.1016/J.MATH.2014.09.001
Volume/pages
20 :2 (2015) , p. 250-256
ISI
000352769200006
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 28.10.2014
Last edited 09.10.2023
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