Strengthening conservative musculoskeletal care in Vietnam: lessons from Judo-Seifuku for fixation, functional recovery, and medical education

Abstract

Objectives: This narrative review examines how conservative musculoskeletal care can be strengthened within Vietnam’s existing health system and how the Japanese practice of Judo-Seifuku—conceptualized as an integrated treatment model rather than a profession to be imported—could contribute to this goal. Methods: We synthesized recent literature on the evidence supporting non-operative management of common musculoskeletal injuries, the role of functional recovery as an endpoint of conservative care, the economic and health-system advantages, and the context of the Vietnamese health system and traditional medicine. We then examined Judo-Seifuku as a model integrating reduction, fixation, and aftercare into a continuous treatment process and considered how its principles might inform the training of Vietnam’s existing clinicians. Results: Conservative management is an evidence-based treatment strategy rather than merely a fallback when surgery is unavailable, and structural healing and functional recovery are complementary treatment goals. Effective conservative care for common musculoskeletal injuries involves the coordinated use of reduction when indicated, appropriate fixation, clinical monitoring, and progressive functional recovery. The Judo-Seifuku model integrates these elements into a continuous treatment process encompassing reduction, fixation, and aftercare. Conclusions: Strengthening conservative musculoskeletal care in Vietnam need not involve importing a foreign profession. Rather, there is an opportunity to enhance competence among clinicians working in orthopedics, rehabilitation, primary care, family medicine, and traditional medicine. The distinctive contribution of Judo-Seifuku lies in its integration of reduction, fixation, and aftercare into a continuous therapeutic process, with fixation serving as an active bridge between structural stabilization and progressive functional recovery. When adapted to local professional roles, regulations, and health-system needs and subjected to prospective evaluation, these principles may provide a useful framework for education and clinical practice.