Effect of biopsychosocial comprehensive chronic pain management physiotherapy practice protocol in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain-a randomised control trial

Authors

  • Thangamani Ramalingam Alagappan Department of SLM, PP Savani University, Surat, Gujarat, India
  • Sudipta Roy Department of SLM, PP Savani University, Surat, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20250133

Keywords:

Chronic Musculoskeletal pain, Pain neuroscience education,, Physiotherapy care, Cognitive behaviour modification, Self-management strategies treatment protocol

Abstract

Background: Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a common condition treated by physiotherapists. Many existing treatments focus mainly on biomedical aspects, which have limited effectiveness and do not align with clinical practice guidelines that advocate for a biopsychosocial (BPS) approach. To address this issue, a new physiotherapy protocol has been developed that incorporates pain neurophysiological education, cognitive behaviour modification, and self-management strategies. This protocol will undergo clinical trial evaluation and has the potential to transform physiotherapy practices in line with these guidelines.

Methods:  A randomised, single-centre clinical trial will be carried out to compare the effect of a  comprehensive CMP management (CCPM)  which consists of 16 sessions weekly twice for 8 weeks neuroscience education program (4 sessions, 4 hrs) cognitive behaviour modification program (6 sessions, 6 hrs), self-management strategies (4 sessions, 4 hrs) and revision of the program (2 sessions, 2 hrs) along with usual care physiotherapy treatment for thrice weekly for 8 weeks, with standardised physiotherapy thrice weekly for 8 weeks as control group. The study aims to evaluate the effect of CCPM intervention on central sensitisation, as well as on fear avoidance, pain, disability, and pain self-efficacy The outcome variables will be measured at the beginning of the intervention and after 8 weeks.

Discussions: The Physiotherapy practice must adopt a multi-dimensional pathway of treatment that considers all the bio-psychosocial factors during treatment sessions, rather than just following a bio-model pathway of management.

Trial registration: CTRI/2023/05/053340 [Registered on: 31/05/2023]

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Published

2025-01-28

How to Cite

Alagappan, T. R., & Roy, S. (2025). Effect of biopsychosocial comprehensive chronic pain management physiotherapy practice protocol in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain-a randomised control trial. International Journal of Clinical Trials, 12(1), 50–58. https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20250133