Physical Therapy Modalities and Rehabilitation Techniques in the Management of Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is a significant problem because of its complex natural history, unclear etiology, and poor response to standard physical therapy agents. It causes severe disability unrelated to its etiology. The primary aims of the management of neuropathic pain are to detect the underlying cause, to define the differential diagnosis and eliminate risk factors, and to reduce the pain. The physician should also know the functional and psychological conditions of the patient. Therefore, a multimodal management plan in neuropathic pain is essential. The aim of this review was to reflect a diverse point of view about various physical therapy modalities and rehabilitation techniques. Physical therapy modalities and rehabilitation techniques are important options and must be considered when pharmacotherapy on its own isn’t adequate. Also, psychosocial support and cognitive behavioral therapy might be taken into consideration as well. It has been suggested that the importance of pain rehabilitation techniques will increase in time and these will take a larger part in the management of neuropathic pain. However, at this time it is early to comment on these methods due to the lack of adequate publications.