Defining the principles of musculoskeletal disability and rehabilitation

Disability is strongly associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, low back pain and other soft tissue and joint disorders. The burden of these conditions may become exponentially high in the absence of rehabilitation. To understand disability, the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) provides the framework to disentangle the different domains that comprise disability. Disability in ICF term is defined as an impairment of the body functions and body structure and limited activity and restricted participation and can be influenced by environmental and personal factors. The ICF can provide the domains of disability pertinent to individuals with musculoskeletal conditions by using ICF Core Sets. Musculoskeletal-related disability is amenable to rehabilitation and there is evidence to suggest the effectiveness of multidisciplinary forms of rehabilitation programs. Community-based programs as an extension of rehabilitation also have evidence to improve clinical and quality of life outcomes in people with musculoskeletal conditions.