Browsing by Author "Freiwald, J"
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- An International Multidisciplinary Delphi-Based Consensus on Heat Therapy in Musculoskeletal PainPublication . Lubrano, E; Mazas, P; Freiwald, J; Krüger, K; Grattagliano, I; Mur, E; Queiro Silva, R; Maruri, G; Sequeira de Medeiros, LIntroduction: Musculoskeletal pain (MP) is prevalent in our society, having a strong negative impact on physical and psychosocial quality of life. Heat therapy (HT) has been frequently described as a treatment strategy for musculoskeletal pain, but scientific evidence is still poor. The aim of the present Delphi method study is to gather a consensus among European experts on the role of HT in MP. Methods: To address this topic, a list of 54 statements was developed, concerning mechanism of action of heat on muscle, types of MP eligible for heat treatment, efficacy of HT, time and modalities of treatment, maximizing compliance to HT, safety (based on heat wraps), wrong beliefs and common errors in the prescription of HT and the role of HT in preventing muscular damage in athletes. The survey was distributed to 116 European experts, using a 5-point Likert scale to express agreement or disagreement with the statements; 66% concordance with the statements was needed to define a consensus. Results: Consensus was reached on 78% of statements. There was a strong consensus on the mechanism of action of heat on muscle, the indication in chronic MP, its effectiveness as part of a multimodal approach to MP and the safety and tolerability of superficial heat therapy. A low-level of consensus was obtained on the role of heat in preventing muscular damage and in acute MP. Conclusion: This Delphi consensus recognizes the role of HT mostly in chronic MP and highlights the need for stronger scientific evidence to regulate the use of this therapy in clinical practice.
- A Role for Superficial Heat Therapy in the Management of Non-Specific, Mild-to-Moderate Low Back Pain in Current Clinical Practice: A Narrative ReviewPublication . Freiwald, J; Magni, A; Fanlo-Mazas, P; Paulino, E; Medeiros, L; Moretti, B; Schleip, R; Solarino, GLow back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability. It significantly impacts the patient's quality of life, limits their daily living activities, and reduces their work productivity. To reduce the burden of LBP, several pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options are available. This review summarizes the role of superficial heat therapy in the management of non-specific mild-to-moderate LBP. First, we outline the common causes of LBP, then discuss the general mechanisms of heat therapy on (LBP), and finally review the published evidence regarding the impact of superficial heat therapy in patients with acute or chronic non-specific LBP. This review demonstrates that continuous, low-level heat therapy provides pain relief, improves muscular strength, and increases flexibility. Therefore, this effective, safe, easy-to-use, and cost-effective non-pharmacological pain relief option is relevant for the management of non-specific mild or moderate low back pain in current clinical practice.