"EXPLORING PAIN ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSIOTHERAPY: A SURVEY OF KARACHI PHYSIOTHERAPISTS"
Main Article Content
Keywords
Musculoskeletal pain, Physiotherapy, Pain, Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Abstract
Introduction: Musculoskeletal pain, whether acute or chronic, poses a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Accurate pain assessment is crucial, especially in physiotherapy, where professionals play a vital role in managing musculoskeletal conditions.
Objective: The study seeks to investigate the current trends in pain assessment practices among physiotherapists in Karachi, focusing on the methods employed and adherence to standardized scales.
Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 100 physiotherapists. A structured questionnaire with 14 questions gathered data on demographic information, pain assessment practices, and reasons for tool usage or non-usage. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, was performed using SPSS version 21.
Results: The majority of physiotherapists (68%) actively use pain assessment scales, with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) being the preferred choice for 70.5% of respondents. Reasons for scale selection include reliability, ease of interpretation, and common usage. Non-usage is attributed to perceived time constraints. Additionally, 74% of physiotherapists reported using assessment tools, with functional assessments being the most prevalent.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into current trends in pain assessment practices among physiotherapists in Karachi. The widespread use of standardized pain assessment scales and tools highlights their importance in facilitating effective communication and treatment planning. The findings contribute to the understanding of physiotherapy practices in managing musculoskeletal pain in the diverse healthcare landscape of Karachi. This knowledge is essential for optimizing patient care and enhancing the overall effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in the region.
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Dr. Pinky
Lecturer, Institute Of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Pakistan
Dr. Reeta
Senior Lecturer, Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi, Pakistan.
Dr. Ghazala Langah
Lecturer, Institute of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Pakistan.
Dr. Saima
Senior Lecturer, Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Quratulain Nazeer
Lecturer, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education.
Dr. Safia Abidi
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.