Online mind-body program to help patients with painful arm conditions and substance use issues
Official title: Web-based mind-body treatment to enhance resilience among patients with painful nontraumatic upper extremity conditions and comorbid risky substance use
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11044209 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful online program called the Toolkit for Optimal Recovery (TOR) that aims to support people with painful arm conditions and risky substance use by teaching them coping strategies and pain management techniques through live video sessions, all while making sure it fits their needs and preferences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $170,296 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AT012364-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044209 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 18 and older who experience painful nontraumatic upper extremity conditions and have a history of risky substance use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-painful conditions or those who do not engage in substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing a web-based mind-body intervention designed to enhance resilience in patients suffering from painful nontraumatic upper extremity conditions, particularly those who also struggle with risky substance use. The program, called the Toolkit for Optimal Recovery (TOR), aims to address the unique treatment needs of these patients through live video sessions that promote coping strategies and pain management techniques. By gathering input from patients through focus groups, the research will tailor the intervention to better meet their preferences and needs, ultimately aiming to prevent chronic pain and improve overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with effective tools to manage pain and reduce the impact of substance use on their recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using technology-enhanced mind-body interventions for pain management, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bakhshaie, Jafar — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bakhshaie, Jafar
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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.