Fear: A Factor to Consider in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Steven Z. George

DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2006.0106

For certain patients, fear of pain can be as disabling as pain itself. Clinicians and researchers interested in reducing the societal impact of chronic musculoskeletal pain must work together to manage relevant psychological influences like fear of pain. Collaborative efforts are necessary to address the following issues in a wide range of musculoskeletal pain conditions: (1) refine current screening techniques to make them more efficient and accurate, and (2) develop and test interventions that effectively reduce pain-related fear. Otherwise, an important contributor to our patients' pain and disability will continue to be mismanaged by the same professionals trying to prevent chronic conditions.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006; 36(5):264-266. doi:10.2519/jospt.2006.0106

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