The Need for Developing Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy Education

Chronic pain presents a multifaceted challenge for healthcare providers, often impacting patients' physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Research indicates that individuals with chronic pain process pain through emotional and reward pathways in the brain, underscoring the need for integrative treatment approaches. Evidence supports the effectiveness of combining psychological interventions with physical rehabilitation to improve outcomes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based behavioral therapy, has shown promise in addressing the psychological dimensions of chronic pain. However, physical therapists often lack formal training in ACT. This study protocol was designed to explore effective methods for educating physical therapists in ACT principles and practices. The study will assess therapists’ understanding and application of ACT through fidelity checks to ensure accurate implementation. By examining training strategies and evaluating therapist competency, this research seeks to inform best practices for integrating ACT into physical therapy settings, ultimately enhancing care for individuals living with chronic pain. Keywords: Physical therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Treatment fidelity