Metabolic Considerations for Common Musculoskeletal Conditions Editorial

Abstract

Musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and tendinopathies are common reasons individuals seek physical therapy. Traditional rehabilitation approaches often focus solely on the affected joint or tissue, relying heavily on passive modalities like massage and ultrasound for symptom relief. However, these methods often overlook the broader impact of metabolic health on tissue quality and function. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome share inflammatory pathways and tissue degradation processes with musculoskeletal disorders, including muscle loss and fatty infiltration. Effective rehabilitation should shift from passive care to promoting general health improvements by increasing lean muscle mass and enhancing aerobic capacity. Addressing metabolic health alongside targeted rehabilitation may improve tissue quality and long-term outcomes for these populations. This integrated approach can potentially reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions and enhance recovery by targeting underlying metabolic dysfunctions rather than merely alleviating localized pain symptoms.