Integrating mindfulness into physical therapy for chronic pain patients on opioids

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

This study is testing whether adding mindfulness techniques to physical therapy can help people with chronic pain who are using opioids feel better and manage their pain more effectively.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Utah (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Gainesville, Florida and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05875207 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the feasibility of a multisite clinical trial that integrates mindfulness-based interventions into physical therapy for patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain and long-term opioid treatment. Researchers will develop a training manual for physical therapists and evaluate their competency in delivering these mindfulness interventions. Patients scheduled for physical therapy will be invited to participate and will complete various self-reported outcomes related to their pain and opioid use. The study seeks to explore the effectiveness of combining mindfulness practices with traditional physical therapy to improve patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-75 with a diagnosis of chronic musculoskeletal pain who are currently on long-term opioid treatment.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to reduced pain and lower opioid usage for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

How similar studies have performed: While the integration of mindfulness into physical therapy is a novel approach, previous studies have shown promising results in reducing pain and opioid use through mindfulness practices.

Eligibility criteria

Aim 1

Physical Therapist Inclusion Criteria:

* Employed at least .50 FTE (Full Time Equivalent)
* Self Report managing patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Exclusion Criteria: None

Aim 2 and 3

Physical Therapist Inclusion Criteria:

* Employed at least .50 FTE (Full Time Equivalent)
* Self Report managing patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Physical Therapist Exclusion Criteria:

* -Attended any experiential (i.e., practice sessions with real or simulated patients) mindfulness training to be used for patient care
* Attended any patient care specific mindfulness training lasting more than 3 hours.
* Self-report using mindfulness interventions such as savoring and cognitive reappraisal (core components of MORE) as a primary intervention strategy for the majority of their caseload for patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Aims 1, 2 and 3

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-75
* English Speaking
* Diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain condition involving the spine and/or peripheral joint(s)
* Current musculoskeletal pain present for greater than or equal to 3 months.
* Use of prescription opioids for most of the last 90 days (self-report)

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently pregnant
* Currently receiving mind-body treatment for musculoskeletal pain from a healthcare provider (e.g. PT, chiropractic, massage therapy, etc)
* Currently receiving treatment for substance use disorder
* Musculoskeletal pain condition related to a fracture or surgical procedure in the past 6 months.

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida and 1 other locations

• University of Florida — Gainesville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
• University of Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jake Magel, PhD — University of Utah
• Study coordinator: Jake Magel, PhD

Conditions Chronic Pain; Pain, Musculoskeletal; Opioid Use; Physical Therapy