Physical therapy approaches for chronic low back pain in Primary Health Care: A narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i7.1260Keywords:
Low Back Pain; Primary Health Care; Physical Therapy.Abstract
Introduction: Chronic low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and represents a frequent demand in Primary Health Care, requiring evidence-based physiotherapeutic interventions. Objective: To synthesize the evidence from the literature on the physiotherapeutic approaches used in the management of chronic low back pain in Primary Health Care. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scientific Electronic Library Online, PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Web of Science databases. Original studies published within the last ten years, with no language restrictions, involving individuals with chronic low back pain treated in Primary Health Care and receiving interventions delivered by physiotherapists were included. The evidence was synthesized using a descriptive and interpretative approach. Results: Eleven studies were included. Randomized clinical trials and multimodal interventions combining therapeutic exercise, health education, manual therapy, and cognitive-behavioral strategies predominated. Individualized exercise programs, muscle strengthening, stretching, and pain education showed favorable results in reducing pain, functional disability, and fear of movement, while improving functional capacity and pain self-efficacy. Interventions supported by digital technologies also promoted self-management and treatment adherence. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed among intervention protocols and outcome measures. Conclusion: The available evidence indicates that active physiotherapeutic strategies, particularly when combined with health education and behavioral approaches, are promising for the management of chronic low back pain in Primary Health Care. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of the included studies limits the identification of a single superior intervention.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jhéssyca Cristina Correia Araújo, Sávio Douglas Ferreira Santana, Júlio César Guimarães Freire, Kauane Flechas Perdigão, José Diego Sales do Nascimento, Geraldo Eduardo Guedes de Brito (Autor)
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