Therapeutic Strategies: Rehabilitation, Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Musculoskeletal Diseases

Chronic musculoskeletal diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, low back pain, gout, osteoporosis, represent enduring challenges within the healthcare sector, given their substantial socio-economic impact due to the persistent pain, long-term functional limitations and the decrease of quality of life. Traditional pharmacotherapy, though an indispensable part of initial treatment, often fails to provide complete relief and is frequently associated with adverse side effects. Consequently, this has led to a significant shift towards the exploration of non-pharmacologic approaches, including conservative rehabilitation strategies and complementary treatments, as potential avenues for effective pain management. Recent studies have begun to demonstrate promising results, indicating that these therapies may be effective not only in mitigating pain but also in enhancing overall patient well-being. However, despite growing interest, a significant gap remains in the comprehensive understanding and validation of these treatments, particularly with regard to complementary approaches.

This Research Topic aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy, safety and the mechanisms of action of non pharmacologic therapies, including therapeutic exercise, physical therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness practices, balneotherapy and spa therapy, in the management of chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Our objective is to uncover viable non pharmacologic approaches that can be integrated into conventional treatments, thereby offering patients and healthcare providers novel pathways for pain relief and improving patients' quality of life. These investigations are critical in responding to the increasing demand for holistic pain management approaches that account for individual patient needs.

To gather further insights into how non pharmacologic, complementary and alternative therapies can be effectively utilized, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

Evaluating the effectiveness and tolerability of:

• Therapeutic exercise

• Physical therapy and manual techniques

• Physical energies

• Mind-body practices, such as yoga, Tai Chi and mindfulness

• Acupuncture and electroacupuncture methods

• Balneotherapy, spa therapy, and water rehabilitation

• Integrative medicine: combining traditional and complementary therapies

• Lifestyle modifications

• Biofeedback techniques

Furthermore, we aim to advance a more nuanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms that account for the potential effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies. By elucidating these biological pathways, we hope to provide a scientific rationale to support complementary and alternative therapies.

We invite manuscripts including original research, reviews, mini-reviews, general commentary, hypothesis & theory, brief research reports, clinical trials, methods, perspective articles, study protocols, and systematic reviews. Please note that case reports are not considered for this article collection.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Musculoskeletal diseases, Rehabilitation, Complementary therapies, Alternative medicine, Pain management

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.