Role of the physical therapist at pain treatment centers. A survey

Abstract

A nationwide survey of pain treatment centers was conducted for the purpose of investigating the role of the physical therapist at the centers. The majority of centers employing a physical therapist treated both inpatients and outpatients. Cervical and low back pain were the most common types of pain. The treatments most commonly used were an individualized exercise program, relaxation training, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and instruction in both mechanics. The majority of therapists attended staff meetings once a week, were responsible for teaching classes related to physical therapy, and were involved in some type of patient follow-up. Almost half of the therapists were engaged in pain research and clinical education.