Combining physical therapy with mindfulness for chronic pain patients on opioids

Physical Therapy Integrated with Mindfulness for Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Long-Term Opioid Treatment

NIH-funded research University of Utah · NIH-10989921

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10989921 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain who are currently using opioids for pain management.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic musculoskeletal pain or are not on long-term opioid treatment may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Salt Lake City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.