Clinical reasoning in physiotherapy management of acute lumbar radiculopathy

Abstract

Lumbar radiculopathy is a common and debilitating condition with 30% of people affected experiencing pain and disability beyond 12 months. Physiotherapy is recommended as well as pain management as first line management in the absence of red flags, but due to the complex nature of the condition and the variety of causative factors and symptom presentations it can be difficult to treat. This case study describes in detail the clinical reasoning utilised to treat a common presentation of lumbar radiculopathy highlighting the complex and systematic thinking and decision making required to provide effective individualised treatment, reducing the likelihood of persistent pain and disability.