Self-Healing: A Concept for Musculoskeletal Body Pain Management – Scientific Evidence and Mode of Action

Abstract

Traditionally, musculoskeletal pain management has focused on the use of conventional treatments to relieve pain. However, multi-modal integrative medicine including alternative/complementary treatments is becoming more widely used and integrated into treatment guidelines around the world. The uptake of this approach varies according to country, with generally a higher uptake in developed countries and in females aged more than 40 years. Integral to the concept described here, is that the body has an innate ability to self-heal, which can be optimized by the use of integrative medical strategies. Stress triggers for acute or recurring musculoskeletal pain are diverse and can range from physical to psychological. The mechanism by which the body responds to triggers and initiates the self-healing processes is complex, but five body networks or processes are thought to be integral: the nervous system, microcirculation/vasodilation, immune modulation, muscular relaxation/contraction and psychological balance. Multi-modal integrative medicine approaches include nutritional/dietary modification, postural/muscular training exercises, and cognitive behavioral mind/body techniques. This article will review the self-healing concept and provide plausible scientific evidence where available.

“Self-Healing”: A Novel and Integrated Multimodal Concept for the Management of Musculoskeletal Pain

“…A recent review paper by McSwan, Gudin and co-authors has introduced the “Self-Healing” concept for MSK pain management. 16 In this paper, the authors discuss the role of multidisciplinary, multi-modal and integrative approaches in MSK pain management. 16 They emphasize the increased use of alternative and complementary treatments by patients and the need for integration of natural remedies in clinical management and treatment guidelines.…”

“… 16 In this paper, the authors discuss the role of multidisciplinary, multi-modal and integrative approaches in MSK pain management. 16 They emphasize the increased use of alternative and complementary treatments by patients and the need for integration of natural remedies in clinical management and treatment guidelines. Aside from highlighting the role of alternative and complementary treatments they propose the novel and plausible concept that the human body has an innate capacity to “self-heal” and that this ability can be optimized by the use of integrative medical strategies ( Figure 1 ).…”

Self-Healing concept for musculoskeletal pain management: An evidence-based review

“…Multi-model therapies a Self-healing is the innate ability of the body and mind to promote mechanisms to return to equilibrium, in order to help relieve pain b Complementary and alternative medicine which is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard medical care, such as acupuncture, exercise, natural remedies, and medical devices Integrative medicine c may reduce the reliance on conventional analgesics, thereby reducing the risk for side effects [2]. Concomitantly, psychosocial factors can help to maintain both psychosocial and spiritual health, e. g., through techniques such as mindfulness, and activities such as yoga or physical exercise can help mental health and reduce depression, which in turn can lead to reduced pain.…”

“…Conventional treatments of musculoskeletal pain include rehabilitation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and, sometimes, opioids or surgery. McSwan et al [2] have recently reviewed the scientific evidence supporting Self-Healing a as a concept for the management of musculoskeletal pain, the underlying mechanisms and how this can be supported in an integrative approach for pain management. There are five known body systems as indicated in Figure 1 which are part of the Self-Healing process working in a balanced way and in harmony with the ultimate goal to help relieve pain induced by various triggers.…”

“…A systematic review of 49 surveys conducted in 15 countries found evidence of substantial application of complementary and alternative approaches, particularly in the adult general population [3]. Reflecting this reality, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) b have increasingly been adopted in applicable guidelines including physical therapy/massage, exercise, thermotherapy, ultrasound, acupuncture, medical devices and yoga [2].…”