Pain Management in Athletes With Impairment

Background: Managing pain in athletes with disabilities presents unique challenges and requires appropriate approaches to ensure recovery and optimal performance. Athletes with conditions such as amputations, spinal cord injuries, or cerebral palsy may experience different pain mechanisms compared to their able-bodied counterparts. Understanding the specific needs of these athletes is crucial for developing effective pain management strategies that consider their physical and mental health. Methods: This review study synthesizes the existing literature up to ۲۰۲۳ on pain management strategies applicable to athletes with disabilities, focusing on studies that discuss both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for pain in athletes with various disabilities. The review also emphasizes the translation of general pain management strategies from the broader population to the specific context of athletes with disabilities, while identifying existing gaps in knowledge and current practices. Results: The review highlights various pain management techniques that may be beneficial for athletes with disabilities, including pharmacological options such as analgesics and non-pharmacological interventions like physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Despite the availability of these treatment approaches, the study reveals a significant lack of targeted research specifically on pain management for this athlete population. The findings suggest that while some strategies used in the general population may be applicable, there is an urgent need for more focused studies to develop evidence-based guidelines tailored for athletes with disabilities. Furthermore, this review discusses the importance of individualized treatment plans that consider the unique experiences and challenges faced by these athletes, including their psychological responses to pain and injury. Conclusion: The review concludes that effective pain management in athletes with disabilities requires a multifaceted approach that integrates both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. While existing treatments can be adapted from the general population, there is an immediate need for further research to fill the knowledge gaps regarding specific pain management practices for athletes with disabilities. Additionally, healthcare providers should prioritize individualized care that addresses both physical symptoms and psychological factors to enhance recovery and performance outcomes in this unique athlete population.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pain management ، impairments ، pharmacological treatment ، non-pharmacological treatment ، cognitive-behavioral therapy