Physical therapy examination and treatment for 18-year-old female with central sensitization post MVA: case report

Abstract Background and Purpose Pain is a global problem that affects about 1 in every 5 adults. Little is known about central sensitization, and its treatments. Common consensus is that treatment should be more central than local. The purpose of this study was to give specific physical therapy treatments to a patient diagnosed with central sensitization. Case Description The patient is an 18-year-old-female who was in a car accident 3 week prior to initial evaluation. No significant red flags were present, and no comorbidities. The patient presented to the clinic with left shoulder pain, left wrist pain, low back pain, bilateral knee pain, and right ankle pain. Outcomes The patient improved in her Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) by 57 points, Modified Oswestry by 18 points, and numerical pain rating score (NRS) by 8 points. All of these measures were significantly different. Discussion The patient made significant progress in the LEFS, NRS and Modified Oswestry outcome measures. This patient was healthy and young which may have contributed to the progress made. This article outlines specific interventions to assist patients diagnosed with central sensitization.