[Treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Physical training and group discussions in general practice]

Treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain is a challenge. 16 female patients with problems of this kind underwent a 12 week course of treatment consisting of selected physical exercises and group discussions. Twice a week a physiotherapist led indoor training to music with this group. The discussion group, which met once a week, was led by a doctor. All the participants completed the treatment. The results of the treatment were evaluated by means of talks with the patients, observation, an assessment form and five questionnaires. The participants were examined three months before treatment commenced, and immediately before and after the treatment period. The patients profited by the treatment. They expressed this opinion spontaneously during training, on the assessment form and during group discussions. It was also noticeable to us. This impression was confirmed by reduced experience of pain measured by visual analogue scale and enhanced well-being assessed by General Health Questionnaire. Exercise improved the physical condition of the participants and also induced a positive attitude to physical activity. Mutual support and the sharing of common experiences were important factors in the discussion group.