Necessity of collaboration between pain physicians and orthotists in pain medicine

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Nagamine et al, published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases. The authors suggest that virtual reality technology has potential in alleviating pain by enhancing brain network functionality. Alongside virtual reality, various treatment methods are used to effectively manage musculoskeletal pain. One such method is the use of orthoses, which are applied in clinical settings. We emphasize the need for collaboration between pain physicians and orthotists when applying orthoses for pain management. The efficacy of orthoses is maximized when customized to the physical characteristics of each patient, type of disease, and location of pain. Orthoses are designed to restore anatomical alignment and biomechanical function; however, their success depends on the expertise of trained orthotists, who should effectively communicate with physicians and understand the mechanical principles of musculoskeletal alignment. The professional knowledge of orthotists is critical in ensuring that orthoses are appropriately designed and applied to achieve therapeutic efficacy. Since no single treatment modality typically offers sufficient relief for musculoskeletal pain, effective collaboration between pain physicians and orthotists is crucial to optimize the use of orthoses in the management of pain.