Complementary and alternative medicine: perception and use by physiotherapists in the management of low back pain

Background and purpose: The aim of this survey was to investigate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by physiotherapists for the treatment of low back pain (LBP).

Methods: Questionnaires (n=1000) were distributed to physiotherapists randomly selected from the UK's Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice (OCPPP). Results were analysed by SPSS.

Results: A response rate of 46% was obtained (n=459). 94.3% of respondents stated that they currently treated LBP; the most common CAMs used by physiotherapists were acupuncture (46.9%) and massage (2.1%). Physiotherapists perceived acupuncture, massage, osteopathy, chiropractic and yoga to be effective in the treatment of LBP, but were unsure about the effectiveness of other CAMs.

Discussion and conclusion: Physiotherapists in this sample often use acupuncture and massage to treat LBP, but appear to have little knowledge of other CAMs. Physiotherapists use mainstream methods such as mobilization and massage which could be perceived as CAM depending on the physiotherapists' perceptions and training, as these therapies have also been used and investigated by CAM practitioners. More research is required on the use of CAM as little is known regarding the effectiveness of these therapies on LBP.