“I know what I want but I’m not sure how to get it”—Expectations of physiotherapy treatment of persons with persistent pain

Abstract

Expectations of physiotherapy treatment of patients with persistent pain have been shown to influence treatment outcome and patient satisfaction, yet this is mostly explored and described in retrospective. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the expectations people with persistent pain have prior to physiotherapy treatment. Ten participants with persistent musculoskeletal pain from the back, neck, or shoulders were included in the study. Data were collected by interviews using a semi-structured interview guide and were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. The analysis resulted in one main category: "The multifaceted picture of expectations" and four categories: 1) Standing in the doorway: curious and uncertain; 2) Looking for respect, confirmation and knowledge; 3) Expecting treatment, regular training, and follow up; and 4) Having dreams, being realistic, or feeling resigned. The main category and the categories describe a multifaceted picture of the participants' expectations, gradually developed and eventually encompassing several aspects: good dialog and communication, the need to be confirmed as individuals, and getting an explanation for the pain. The results also show that the participants expected tailored training with frequent follow-ups and their expectations of outcome ranged from hope of the best possible results to realistic or resigned regarding pain relief and activity levels.

Physiotherapy treatment experiences of persons with persistent musculoskeletal pain: A qualitative study

“…Some previous studies of patients' expectations of physiotherapy treatment confirm that persons with persistent pain expect to receive explanations for their pain (Bernhardsson, Larsson, Johansson, and Öberg, 2017;Calner, Isaksson, and Michaelson, 2017;Stenberg, Fjellman-Wiklund, and Ahlgren, 2012). Exercises and training are common expectations (Bernhardsson, Larsson, Johansson, and Öberg, 2017;Calner, Isaksson, and Michaelson, 2017), which is in line with the recommendations of Semmons (2016).…”

“…Some previous studies of patients' expectations of physiotherapy treatment confirm that persons with persistent pain expect to receive explanations for their pain (Bernhardsson, Larsson, Johansson, and Öberg, 2017;Calner, Isaksson, and Michaelson, 2017;Stenberg, Fjellman-Wiklund, and Ahlgren, 2012). Exercises and training are common expectations (Bernhardsson, Larsson, Johansson, and Öberg, 2017;Calner, Isaksson, and Michaelson, 2017), which is in line with the recommendations of Semmons (2016). Earlier findings also elucidate how patients expect a trusting relationship and good communication with the physiotherapist (Bunzli et al, 2016;Slade, Patel, Underwood, and Keating, 2014;Stenberg, Fjellman-Wiklund, and Ahlgren, 2012); and to be actively engaged in the treatment (Bernhardsson, Larsson, Johansson, and Öberg, 2017;Stenberg, Fjellman-Wiklund, and Ahlgren, 2012).…”

“…Table 2 shows examples of the research procedure from coding to developing sub-themes and identifying a theme. *Participant in the previous study (Calner, Isaksson, and Michaelson, 2017) Previous study (Calner, Isaksson, Michaelson; n=10…”

“…Participants were primarily recruited from a previous study concerning persons' expectations of physiotherapy treatment (Calner, Isaksson, and Michaelson, 2017) and were contacted again by the first author after completion of their physiotherapy treatment. Six of the ten participants agreed to participate in the current study.…”

“…In addition to the treatment process, expectations of treatment outcomes are also described, encompassing several aspects. Hoping for the best possible results, having realistic or even resigned attitudes (Calner, Isaksson, and Michaelson, 2017), getting pain relief, improving function and physical fitness and well-being (Hsu et al, 2014) have all been expressed as expected outcomes.…”