Chronic pain: are there effective therapeutic exercises in rehabilitation treatment? A narrative review

Background. Chronic pain has been investigated in pathophysiology and different mechanisms underlying this condition has been described. Despite the plentiful literature regarding this topic and the different pharmacological treatments proposed, patients often referred inadequate relief from medication. The aim of this narrative review was to investigate the different rehabilitative approach in the management of chronic pain and their efficacy. Methods. A systematic narrative review has been conducted considering randomize controlled trials and systematic reviews published within the past 5 years. Results. 13 papers on chronic pain and 6 papers on nociplastic pain has been described in the main aspects analyzed. Conclusions. No one treatment appears to be more effective than another but often it is the combination of several treatments that gives the best results. More studies, evaluating in particular specific exercises with clear proprioceptive elements, should be conducted to best analyzed their role in the management of chronic pain.