[Mobility and group discussions. Treatment of chronic muscle pain in women in general practice]

(Bevegelse og samtale i grupper. Behandling av kroniske muskelsmerter hos kvinner i allmennpraksis.)

Full Abstract

We describe the development of a programme based on group treatment for women suffering from chronic muscle pain, and the experience gained from it. Six such groups underwent 12 weeks of treatment consisting of specially adapted physical training twice weekly and a weekly discussion group in which a general practitioner and a physiotherapist took part. 60 of the 80 women who started the programme completed it. This assessment is based on in-training observations, interviews and a questionnaire. The participants maintain that they found the combination of physical and relaxation exercises, and the discussions, the social aspect and the mutual exchange of knowledge, beneficial. Their physical ability improved, they got more enjoyment from movement and achieved a greater sense of well-being. The extent of benefit experienced by the individual participant was dependent upon her feelings respected and appreciated, her sense of achievement and her ability to understand how various personal factors are related. The women underlined the benefit of a training programme based on mobility rather than stamina, and including discussion groups characterized by acceptance, a sense of belonging and co-operation. We believe that this approach can be further developed at general practitioner level, provided that the individual participant meets recognition and acceptance of her experiences, her feelings connected with physical activity and her background.

Author information

Author/s: Steihaug, S (S); Ahlsen, B (B);

Affiliation: Helseavdelingen, Stovner bydel, Oslo.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række (Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen), published in NORWAY. (Language: nor)

Reference: 1996-Apr; vol 116 (issue 11) : pp 1335-8

Dates: Created 1996/07/26; Completed 1996/07/26; Revised 2008/07/16;

PMID: 8658416, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1996 Jun 20;116(16):1932. (PMID: 8711709)

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