Journal of Pain Research (Dec 2021)
Implementation of Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain: Where Do We Stand, Where Do We Go?
Abstract
Lindsay A Ballengee,1– 3 Leah L Zullig,3,4 Steven Z George1,5 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; 2Division of Physical Therapy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; 3Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; 4Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA; 5Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USACorrespondence: Lindsay A Ballengee 311 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USATel +1 919 403 3702Email [email protected] Z George 300 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USATel +1 919 668 8300Email [email protected]: Low back pain continues to be a leading cause of disability and cost throughout the world. Evidence-based guidelines recommend use of non-pharmacological interventions to address decreases in physical function due to low back pain. Psychologically informed physical therapy (PIPT) is one way to effectively and efficiently address the need for non-pharmacological approaches. However, adoption of psychologically informed practice (PiP) by physical therapists has shown mixed results due to implementation challenges. In this perspective, we discuss the current state of PIPT training and implementation. We also propose a conceptual roadmap for future implementation needs related to increasing delivery of PIPT-informed approaches.Keywords: implementation science, physical therapy, pain, non-pharmacological
