Physical rehabilitation to treat neuropathic pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuropathic pain is disabling, decreases quality of life, impairs professional performance, and limits social participation of patients living with excruciating pain. In this context, it is easy to see physical rehabilitation as facilitator of autonomy and mobility. However, therapeutic action goes beyond these actions. With technological advances, new approaches are proposed and it now it is possible to measure the performance of physical methods for pain modulation. CONTENTS: The innovative potential of physical rehabilitation to treat neuropathic pain is discussed. Reflections are made on therapeutic options such as: electrothermotherapy, manual therapy, physical exercise, transcranial stimulation with constant current, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, visual mental exercises and mirror therapy, among others. Therapeutic modalities shall be addressed according to some neuropathic pain conditions, so the authors propose a parallel between specific pathologic mechanism of some neuropathic pain conditions and the neurophysiologic mechanism of the proposed therapeutic modality. CONCLUSION: In spite of different pathological mechanisms and different ways of physical and mental approach with patients, the importance of active participation of patients during the rehabilitation process has to be stressed.