New models for primary care are needed for osteoarthritis

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Medicine
• Rheumatology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Musculoskeletal problems are a primary cause of disability globally, significantly impacting daily life.
• Primary care settings manage a high volume of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including back and joint pain.
• Current management models require integration of psychological and social factors for chronic pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the occurrence, natural history, prognosis, and management of common joint problems in primary care.
• To highlight the importance of a comprehensive model for chronic pain management.
• To emphasize the role of primary care in secondary prevention of osteoarthritis-related disability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and reflection on current primary care practices for musculoskeletal conditions.
• Analysis of the biomedical model's limitations in chronic pain management.
• Discussion of secondary prevention strategies for osteoarthritis within primary care.

Main Results:

• Primary care is central to managing common joint problems and chronic diseases.
• A holistic approach, beyond the biomedical model, is necessary for effective chronic pain management.
• Osteoarthritis management in primary care offers significant potential for secondary prevention.

Conclusions:

• Primary care settings are crucial for addressing the burden of musculoskeletal conditions.
• Integrating psychological and social aspects into pain management models is essential.
• Physical therapists in primary care are key to supporting self-management for conditions like osteoarthritis, particularly through exercise and behavioral change interventions.