Psychologically informed interventions for low back pain: an update for physical therapists
Michael K Nicholas1, Steven Z George
1Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia. michael.nicholas@sydney.edu.au
Physical Therapy
|April 1, 2011
Summary
Physical therapists can help patients with low back pain resume activities by recognizing and managing psychological obstacles. Integrating psychological principles with activity-based interventions improves treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Current evidence-based guidelines for low back pain management emphasize activity resumption despite pain.
- Implementing these guidelines presents psychological challenges for both patients and therapists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the psychological obstacles in low back pain management.
- To describe the application of psychological principles and clinical reasoning for overcoming these obstacles.
Main Methods:
- Explaining empirically based psychological principles.
- Describing strategic clinical reasoning for managing psychological barriers.
- Identifying essential skills for physical therapists in assessment, treatment planning, and patient communication.
Main Results:
- Psychological obstacles to activity resumption in low back pain are identifiable.
- Psychological principles and strategic reasoning offer viable management options.
- Therapist skills in assessment, planning, and communication are crucial for guideline implementation.
Conclusions:
- Physical therapists can be trained to recognize and manage psychological obstacles in low back pain care.
- Combining psychological interventions with activity-based approaches enhances treatment effectiveness.
- Acquiring specific clinical skills empowers therapists to better support patients in guideline adherence.
