RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07001449

Effectiveness of Communication-Focused Pain Neuroscience Education in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Effectiveness of the 'Algo(S)Therapy' Pain Neuroscience Education Program Emphasizing Physiotherapists' Communication Skills in Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

University of Thessaly

Enrollment

90 participants

Start Date

Jun 17, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Algo(S)Therapy" Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) program in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The study will assess whether the integration of communication skills training for physiotherapists enhances the outcomes of PNE. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) PNE with communication-focused delivery, (2) PNE without communication emphasis, or (3) standard- usual physiotherapy care. The primary objective is to determine whether PNE combined with enhanced communication skills leads to greater improvements in pain, function, and psychosocial outcomes compared to the other interventions.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

Adults aged 18 to 65 years
Diagnosis of chronic musculoskeletal pain in the lumbar spine, cervical spine, shoulder, or knee
Pain duration longer than 3 months
Pain intensity ≥3/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Pain present most days of the week
Able to understand and speak the Greek language

Exclusion Criteria11

Acute pain in any body region
Neurological disorders or myopathies
Chronic pain of non-musculoskeletal origin
Active cancer diagnosis
History of trauma, fractures, or surgery in the past year
Pregnancy
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia
Cognitive impairments affecting communication or completion of questionnaires
Current use of corticosteroid medication
Participation in other treatment programs or alternative therapies during the study period
Concurrent enrollment in another clinical trial

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALPain Neuroscience Education with Communication Training

This intervention includes individualized physiotherapy based on a Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) framework delivered by physiotherapists who completed the full "Algo(S)Therapy" training program. The training includes education in the neurophysiology of pain, clinical reasoning for chronic musculoskeletal pain management, and structured communication skills development (e.g., motivational interviewing, empathy, active listening). The intervention is delivered twice per week over 5 weeks (10 sessions total).

BEHAVIORALPain Neuroscience Education without Communication Training

A structured PNE program focusing on the neurophysiology and clinical management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Delivered by physiotherapists trained only in the scientific modules of the "Algo(S)Therapy" program. Does not include communication skills training. Includes 10 sessions (2/week for 5 weeks), alongside standard physiotherapy care.

BEHAVIORALUsual Physiotherapy Treatment

Usual care based on medical referral and physiotherapy assessment. Delivered by physiotherapists who have not received training in Pain Neuroscience Education or communication techniques. No components of the "Algo(S)Therapy" program are included.