In future studies, it will be necessary to specifically clarify the type and manner of an intervention, intervention intensity and duration, and progression of the intervention according to patient-specific outcomes. Further, a patient typically receives several rehabilitation interventions during a therapy session. These modalities change depending on the phase of recovery (ie, ice, rest, and compression initially, evolving to strengthening, stretching, and electrotherapy with progress). A more thorough means of standardizing this progression in a patient’s care is needed.
In addition, the guidelines did not address cost, patient preferences, or potential harm associated with each intervention for the specific conditions.
Overall, there is a pressing need for further work in the study of rehabilitation interventions, due especially to the increased use of physical therapy for the management of low back pain, knee pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain.