The influence of physiotherapy on the control of arterial blood pressure and pain in hypertensive patients with chronic pain

Background Patients with chronic pain syndrome during musculoskeletal diseases often suffer from concomitant diseases like hypertension. Stress linked to pain and administration of pain-relief drugs may worsen blood pressure control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of physiotherapeutic procedures on blood pressure control in patients with chronic pain and hypertension. Material and methods Forty patients with chronic pain due to musculoskeletal system disorders and with primary hypertension were enrolled in the study. Before 4-10 weeks physiotherapy started, office and 24 hour blood pressure measurement were performed together with estimation of pain level using 6 point descriptive scale and Numerical Rating Scale. Procedures were performed additionally 2 times: after physiotherapeutic procedures (4-10 weeks) and after 3 months of ending physiotherapy. Results Physiotherapy resulted in significant decreases in office and 24 hour blood pressure measurements [decrease from 125.7 +/- 1.7 mm Hg to 122.5 +/- 1.5 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure from 24 hour measurement (p = 0.0277) and decrease from 74.2 +/- 1.3 mm Hg to 70.6 +/- 0.9 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure from 24 hour measurement (p = 0.0004)]. Physiotherapy was also associated with a significant decrease in pain level along with a significant reduction in analgetic drugs taken. Decrease in number of hypertensive drugs taken after physiotherapy was also observed. Conclusions Results of the study demonstrate that complex physiotherapeutic procedures in patients with chronic pain and controlled hypertension improves blood pressure control. Complex physiotherapeutic procedures should be recommended as an element of therapeutic strategy for improvement of blood pressure controls.