Improving access to physical therapy for chronic low back pain in rural areas using telehealth.
Official title: Improving Function and Reducing Opioid Use for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain in Rural Communities through Improved Access to Physical Therapy using Telerehabilitation
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11163083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make physical therapy easier for people with chronic low back pain living in rural areas by using online sessions, so you can get the help you need without worrying about travel or finding a therapist nearby.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,240,757 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3AR083838-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in rural communities who experience chronic low back pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute back pain or those who do not reside in rural areas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the accessibility of physical therapy for patients suffering from chronic low back pain (LBP) in rural communities through the use of telerehabilitation. By leveraging technology, the project seeks to overcome barriers such as transportation and provider availability that often prevent patients from receiving necessary care. The approach involves providing remote physical therapy services, which can help improve pain management and reduce reliance on opioids. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this method in improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce chronic pain and opioid use among patients in rural areas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that telerehabilitation can effectively improve access to care and patient outcomes, indicating a promising approach for this population.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skolasky, Richard L. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Skolasky, Richard L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving back-pain care in rural areas with tele-physical therapy
This project tests a tele-rehabilitation program to help adults with chronic low back pain in rural communities access physical therapy and reduce opioid use.
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Remote physical therapy to ease chronic low back pain and cut opioid use in rural communities
This project offers remote physical therapy to people with long-term low back pain in rural areas to help them move better and depend less on opioid pain medicines.
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Psilocybin for Chronic Back Pain: Brain Signals and Real-World Therapy Outcomes
A patient-facing study will test whether a carefully controlled psilocybin treatment can improve body awareness and enhance physical therapy outcomes for people with chronic low back pain.
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Ketamine-assisted care plan to help Veterans with chronic back pain and depression
A program for Veterans with chronic low back pain and depression that uses ketamine infusions followed by a brief narrative therapy to sustain relief from pain and mood improvement.
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Savoring Meditation for Chronic Low Back Pain patients
A study tests a brief mindfulness-based practice called Savoring Meditation to help people with chronic low back pain feel better emotionally and manage pain in daily life.
-
Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults and Hip Impairments
A study to help older adults with chronic low back pain, by looking at how hip problems affect their pain and function and testing tailored non-drug treatments.
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.