Medical management of musculoskeletal pain in professional wheelchair basketball players: an evidence-based guide

Wheelchair basketball (WB) has evolved from a recreational activity to an internationally recognized sport. It is useful in enhancing psychophysical well-being in athletes with disabilities. However, WB professional players' medical management, especially regarding musculoskeletal pain (MSP), poses unique challenges and the related scientific literature still seems fragmentary. An extensive review of the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases was performed to identify the available evidence regarding the medical management of WB players MSP. It emerges that WB players often face musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive movements and game-specific actions. The management of these injuries requires a multidisciplinary approach. Firstly, the use of pharmacological treatments like Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is common, though care must be taken to comply with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations. Then, preventive strategies, including tailored rehabilitation and strength conditioning, are essential. Moreover, the use of dietary supplements, while popular for enhancing recovery and performance, carries risks, particularly contamination with prohibited substances. Therefore, medical staff must exercise caution when recommending supplements. Finally, this review highlights that WB players' MSP management requires balancing effective treatment with adherence to anti-doping rules, limiting the use of traditional drugs where possible and improving the clinical application of non-pharmacological treatments, such as physical and rehabilitation medicine approaches.