Managing musculoskeletal pain can be complex. STOPS.physio connects physiotherapists with expertise and information to STOP persistent pain problems. The key is learning how to identify and provide specific treatment that targets barriers to recovery including the pathoanatomical, impairment, psychosocial or neurophysiological in nature. This website houses a wealth of full text papers and associated resources to help physiotherapists provide specific and effective treatment!
Understanding potential nociceptive drivers (eg discogenic pain) of musculoskeletal pain is essential in some patients. Recent research suggests physiotherapists are able to identify clinical patterns indicative of pathoanatomical problems
Physical factors can be relevant barriers to recovery independent of pathoanatomy. Treating these barriers (eg muscle length) lies within the traditional realm of physiotherapy and is often a key component of managing musculoskeletal pain
Psychological (eg depression, fear avoidance beliefs) and social (eg work/home situation) factors can adversely impact on recovery. Valid tools are now available for identifying and treating specific psychosocial factors
Neurophysiological factors such as central sensitisation or neuropathic pain requires specific education and in some cases medical management. Physiotherapists have an important role in diagnosing and treating these barriers to recovery