title: Non-surgical therapies for peripheral nerve injury.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Non-surgical approaches have been developed to enhance nerve recovery, which are complementary to surgery and are an adjunct to the reinnervation process.
  
  
  METHODS
  A search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, DH data and Embase databases was performed using the keywords 'peripheral nerve injury' and 'treatment'.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most of the conservative therapies are focused to control neuropathic pain after nerve tissue damage. Only physical therapy modalities have been studied in humans and their effectiveness is not proved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many modalities have been experimented with to promote nerve healing and restore function in animal models and in vitro studies. Despite this, none have been actually translated into clinical practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The hypotheses proved in animals and in vitro should be translated to human clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, FREMAP Hospital, Ctra de Pozuelo 61, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martínez de Albornoz
authors.forename: Pedro José
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Delgado
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Forriol
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maffulli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D051381:Rats; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D009414:Nerve Growth Factors