Combining physical therapy with mindfulness for chronic pain patients on opioids
Official title: Physical Therapy Integrated with Mindfulness for Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Long-Term Opioid Treatment
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10989921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how combining mindfulness practices with physical therapy can help people with chronic pain who are using long-term opioids, making it easier for them to manage their pain and reduce their reliance on medication in a friendly and supportive setting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $479,708 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT012229-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain who are currently using opioids for pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic musculoskeletal pain or are not on long-term opioid treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how integrating mindfulness practices with physical therapy can help patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain who are also on long-term opioid treatment. The approach involves physical therapists leading mindfulness-based interventions alongside traditional exercise-based therapies. The goal is to assess the feasibility of this combined treatment in outpatient physical therapy clinics, ultimately aiming to reduce opioid dependency and improve pain management. By participating, patients may engage in a supportive environment that addresses both their physical and mental health needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective pain management strategies that reduce reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in combining mindfulness with physical therapy for chronic pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magel, John — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Magel, John
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.