Knowledge of Pain Neurophysiology Among Physiotherapists Practising in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives Healthcare practitioners’ understanding of pain neuroscience is important in effective management of patient pain. A major barrier to adequate pain management is patients’ limited access to clinicians who are knowledgeable about pain. The study aims to examine the level of knowledge of pain neurophysiology among currently practising physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia using the 12-item Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire.Results One hundred eleven physiotherapists (58.6% male) from different regions and educational backgrounds participated in the study. Out of a maximum Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire score of 12, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) was 6.7 ± 2.2; 90% of physiotherapists scored 9 (75%) or less. None of the examined characteristics of participants had an impact on knowledge.