Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Patients With Chronic Pain

Participants: Frank J Keefe, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, and Katherine Beissner, PT, PhD, Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Ithaca College. Moderator: Chris J Main, PT, PhD, FBPsS, PTJ Editorial Board member.

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• Discussion Podcast - Developed as an alternative to traditional medical management of chronic pain, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is gaining interest among physical therapists who work with patients who have pain. Dr Beissner, lead author of “Physical Therapists’ Use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Older Adults With Chronic Pain: A Nationwide Survey” (May 2009) and Dr Keefe, a clinical psychologist who specializes in pain research, discuss the components of CBT and the implications of CBT for older adults, consider how CBT could best be integrated into physical therapist practice, and suggest professional education or training needs. Could the incorporation of CBT techniques by physical therapists enhance outcomes for their patients with pain?

  “The CBT mindset is consistent with physical therapy philosophy, in that it focuses on function rather than specifically on the pain and striving to increase activity levels.”
  
  “We really need standards for what we call CBT in clinical trials that are now appearing.”
  
  “The truth of the matter is that physical therapists are generally more accessible to the older adult population than are psychologists.”
  
  “We need better research studies documenting that, in fact, physical therapists can effectively deliver these treatments.”

  Running time: 18:39 (8,758 KB)