Chronic Pain Physical Therapy Course

Lesson 1 • Psychosocial Drivers of Chronicity

Identifies psychological and social factors that perpetuate pain. Prepares clinicians to screen for and address these drivers in assessment.

Lesson 2 • Central Sensitization Processes

Examines spinal and supraspinal amplification of pain signals. Connects central sensitization to conditions such as fibromyalgia and widespread pain.

Lesson 3 • Pain Neuroscience Education Principles

Introduces evidence-based pain neuroscience education for patients. Establishes the communication foundation used throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Peripheral Sensitization Mechanisms

Explains nociceptor activation, inflammatory mediators, and peripheral sensitization. Links tissue-level changes to patient-reported symptoms.

Lesson 1 • Subjective History Taking

Structures a thorough pain history using validated frameworks. Ensures no key domain is missed before physical examination begins.

Lesson 2 • Psychological and Behavioral Screening

Applies validated questionnaires to quantify psychological contributors. Informs referral decisions and multidisciplinary communication.

Lesson 3 • Validated Pain Outcome Measures

Introduces standardized tools for pain intensity, disability, and quality of life. Enables consistent tracking of treatment progress over time.

Lesson 4 • Integrating Assessment into Clinical Reasoning

Synthesizes multi-domain data into a coherent pain profile and treatment hypothesis. Bridges assessment findings to goal-setting and intervention selection.

Lesson 1 • Mind-Body Exercise Modalities

Evaluates yoga, tai chi, and Pilates as evidence-based options for chronic pain. Expands the exercise toolkit for patients with high psychological burden.

Lesson 2 • Graded Activity Principles

Applies operant conditioning principles to increase activity despite pain. Teaches quota-based progression to break fear-avoidance cycles.

Lesson 3 • Exercise Science in Chronic Pain

Reviews hypoalgesic effects of exercise and underlying mechanisms. Justifies exercise as a primary intervention rather than an adjunct.

Lesson 4 • Resistance and Neuromuscular Training

Prescribes resistance training to restore strength and motor control. Integrates neuromuscular retraining to address movement dysfunction.

Lesson 1 • Integrating Manual Therapy with Active Care

Designs treatment sequences that combine manual therapy with exercise and education. Prevents passive dependency and promotes self-management.

Lesson 2 • Reconceptualizing Manual Therapy Effects

Shifts understanding of manual therapy from biomechanical to neurophysiological mechanisms. Aligns technique selection with pain science principles.

Lesson 3 • Neural Mobilization Techniques

Introduces neurodynamic assessment and treatment for neuropathic pain components. Connects neural tissue mechanics to symptom reproduction and relief.

Lesson 4 • Soft Tissue and Myofascial Techniques

Covers massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy for chronic pain. Teaches application, dosing, and patient communication for each technique.

Lesson 1 • Relaxation and Mindfulness Interventions

Teaches progressive muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, and mindfulness for pain. Provides practical protocols patients can use independently.

Lesson 2 • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Concepts

Introduces ACT values, defusion, and committed action for chronic pain. Provides tools to shift patients from pain elimination to valued living.

Lesson 3 • Motivational Interviewing Techniques

Applies motivational interviewing to enhance patient engagement with active rehabilitation. Addresses ambivalence and builds intrinsic motivation for behavior change.

Lesson 4 • Behavioral Goal-Setting and Self-Efficacy

Uses SMART goals and self-efficacy theory to build patient confidence. Connects psychological strategies to measurable functional outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain

Applies exercise and education as first-line treatments for osteoarthritis. Addresses central sensitization contributions to joint pain.

Lesson 2 • Chronic Low Back Pain

Synthesizes assessment and treatment evidence for chronic low back pain. Addresses subgroup classification and matched intervention strategies.

Lesson 3 • Chronic Neck Pain and Headache

Addresses cervicogenic and tension-type headache alongside chronic neck pain. Integrates manual therapy, exercise, and sensorimotor retraining.

Lesson 4 • Neuropathic and Complex Regional Pain

Examines neuropathic pain mechanisms and complex regional pain syndrome management. Applies graded motor imagery and desensitization techniques.

Lesson 1 • Psychological Referral and Co-management

Identifies when and how to refer patients to psychologists or pain specialists. Establishes co-management protocols that maintain physiotherapy engagement.

Lesson 2 • Structure of Multidisciplinary Pain Programs

Describes the components and evidence base of interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs. Clarifies the physiotherapist's role within the team.

Lesson 3 • Pharmacological Awareness for Physiotherapists

Provides non-prescribing awareness of common pain medications and their effects on rehabilitation. Enables informed collaboration with prescribing team members.

Lesson 4 • Interprofessional Communication

Develops skills for clear, concise communication with physicians, psychologists, and other allied health professionals. Reduces fragmentation and improves care coordination.

Lesson 1 • Reflective Practice and Supervision

Establishes reflective practice habits and peer supervision frameworks. Supports clinician well-being and continuous skill development.

Lesson 2 • Ethical and Professional Considerations

Addresses ethical challenges unique to chronic pain practice, including consent and boundaries. Reinforces professional accountability and patient-centered values.

Lesson 3 • Outcome Monitoring and Clinical Audit

Implements systematic outcome tracking to evaluate and improve clinical effectiveness. Introduces audit cycles as a quality improvement tool.

Lesson 4 • Complex Case Formulation

Applies biopsychosocial formulation to patients with multiple comorbidities and treatment-resistant pain. Develops individualized, prioritized management plans.