Current Trends in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders represent a global health crisis, affecting over 1.7 billion people and serving as a leading cause of years lived with disability. Traditional rehabilitation models have long focused on structural pathology, often failing to address the complex nature of chronic pain and functional recovery. This narrative review aims to synthesize current trends that are transforming MSK care, moving from a biomedical focus to an integrated, multidimensional approach. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, focusing on peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines published between 2021 and 2026. Keywords related to musculoskeletal rehabilitation, digital health, mechanotransduction, and the biopsychosocial model were utilized. A total of 40 high-impact sources were selected and analyzed to identify emerging themes in clinical practice and technology. Results: The review identified five key pillars of modern MSK rehabilitation: (1) the adoption of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) within a biopsychosocial framework; (2) the integration of telerehabilitation and wearable sensors to enhance patient monitoring; (3) the application of "Optimal Loading" and mechanotransduction (PEACE & LOVE protocol) in soft tissue recovery; (4) the use of high-precision physiological tools such as Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) and Velocity-Based Training (VBT); and (5) the emerging role of health coaching and behavioral economics in improving long-term patient adherence. Evidence suggests that these approaches lead to superior functional outcomes and psychological resilience compared to traditional passive modalities. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal rehabilitation is undergoing a paradigm shift toward personalized, data-driven, and patient-centered care. By bridging the gap between biological repair and psychological health, modern interventions provide a more sustainable framework for managing MSK disability. Future research should focus on the long-term scalability of digital health interventions and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in clinical decision-making.