A new paper led by Professor Ilana Ackerman from Monash University and Professor Andrew Briggs from Curtin University seeks to raise awareness of the broader impacts of chronic musculoskeletal pain and provide physiotherapists with the knowledge, confidence and tools to consider sexual function as part of patient-centred holistic care. The paper was recently published in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal.
Sexual function is an important component of overall wellbeing for many people and should be considered (where appropriate) alongside other valued activities of daily living. Although this issue has often been overlooked in musculoskeletal care, it is important to recognise that musculoskeletal pain can impact intimate relationships in a range of ways. This paper provides a much-needed practical resource for clinicians who provide care to people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain. It covers the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, strategies for sensitively raising this topic, approaches for screening, assessment and management, and potential referral pathways where a sexual function concern has been identified.
To ensure a comprehensive resource for clinicians, the paper was prepared by a team of highly experienced physiotherapist researchers with collective expertise in musculoskeletal health, pain, pelvic health and clinical education. It uses inclusive, respectful language and carefully considers diverse populations. Two hypothetical case studies provide examples of how clinical conversations around musculoskeletal pain and sexual function could be initiated in different clinical scenarios. The paper can also be used by educators to support undergraduate and postgraduate student training.
The paper can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzae083
This paper was also informed by systematic reviews of the prevalence and impacts of sexual dysfunction in people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, which can be accessed at:
The Australian Physiotherapy Association ‘Find a Physio’ directory enables people to locate a physiotherapist in a geographic area with expertise in ‘Pelvic Health’ or ‘Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health’.
Contact our free national Helpline
Call our team if you have questions about managing your pain, musculoskeletal condition, treatment options, mental health issues, or accessing services. They’re available Monday to Thursday between 9am-5pm on 1800 263 265; email (helpline@muscha.org) or via Messenger.
Travelling can be an incredible adventure, but it can sometimes cause anxiety and stress if you have a chronic condition.…
Most people don’t realise that gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in the world. According to the…
As siblings living with psoriatic arthritis, Musculoskeletal Health Awareness Month holds significant importance for both my sister, Brooke, and me,…
Did you know more than half of your body is made up of water? And while we can survive for…
"Whooooa, and don’t it feel good!" Gotta love the eighties and music from bands like Katrina and the Waves, right?…
And stay focused and motivated It’s important to have goals in life. Whether it’s a goal involving travel, a new…