Physical Therapy Management Of The Patient With Central Sensitization: An Observational Study Among Italian Physiotherapists

In the literature there is still debate about the concept of central sensitization, as a pain mechanism that can support a neuromusculoskeletal pathology and which for Woolf corresponds to an amplification of neural signaling within the Central Nervous System causing hypersensitivity to pain.

This mechanism is often confused with the concept of chronic pain, as in many conditions such as fibromyalgia, traumatic neck pain, low back pain or osteoarthritis, central sensitization supports its maintenance beyond 6 months.

We believe it is important to investigate among Italian physiotherapists the management of the patient in which the presence of a central pain sensitization phenomenon is suspected, in order to provide consistent data to direct the education of health professionals towards more effective management of this problem.

To achieve this goal we aim to:

• Conduct a Delphi study in order to reach consensus, into a panel of experts, on the methods useful for the management, in each phase of the physiotherapy process, of the patient with neuromusculoskeletal problems with pain underlying central sensitization mechanism
• Investigate, through a survey among Italian physiotherapists, their clinical approach to the patient in question
• Develop a free online course available to clinical professionals and/or students who wish to deepen this issue.