Pain reprocessing therapy (PRT), a method of pain management, aims to help people rewire their brains to turn off chronic pain.
How it works
There are three types: nociceptive, which is caused by tissue injury, neuropathic and nociplastic. These occur as a result of a sensitive central nervous system and abnormally processed pain signals. Nonspecific back pain, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome are all possible nociplastic. These conditions were previously called functional pain syndromes.
Psychological techniques are used to train the brain to properly interpret and respond to bodily signals. Pain reprocessing therapy is a psychological treatment. It consists of five components:
- The purpose of this course is to educate people about the neuroscientific causes of pain, the pain fear cycle and the reversibility pain. This will allow them to see this type of pain as totally safe.
- People can see that their pain does not stem from a structural/physical process. Instead, they are experiencing a central process. This is done by finding an example where centralized pain occurs in their lives. ).
- Facilitating exercises for people to change their perception of pain. This will help them to interrupt the pain-fear cycle and allow them to view pain sensations with a new lens of lightness, curiosity and curiosity.
- Other emotional threats are addressed and patients’ overall threat levels are lowered. This includes helping patients process past trauma, correcting destructive psychological behaviors, and helping them to forgive themselves.
- Positive feelings and sensations can help you shift from a high-threat “danger mode”, to a safer mode.
Chronic pain symptom relief
Although pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is still a relatively new treatment option, little research has been conducted on its effectiveness in improving chronic pain.
Chronic back pain Researchers conducted the first clinical trial of PRT in a groundbreaking and widely published randomized controlled trial. This included 151 participants who had mild to moderate chronic back problems for which there was no physical cause.
Surprisingly, PRT was pain-free for two-thirds of the patients who were treated for four weeks. A staggering 98 percent of patients who received PRT for four weeks experienced at least some improvement. These results held true one year later. Another small study found similar results for a 12-week PRT-like course, called psychophysiologic symptoms relief therapy.
Nearly two-thirds (63%) of patients who had received the treatment reported that they were free from chronic back pain.
Although research on PRT has been limited, scientists have previously studied the first component of PRT called pain neuroscience education (PNE). This is a method that aims to reconceive pain and make it less threatening or less frightening.
A literature review concluded that PNE for Musculoskeletal Pain could reduce pain and improve patients’ understanding of it. This could lead to improved function and lower disability, reduced psychosocial factors, increased movement and a reduction in healthcare utilization.
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A second review found that PNE can be used to help with chronic pain conditions, such as fear of moving or pain catastrophizing.
One systematic review found that PNE combined with exercise was more effective than exercise alone in chronic musculoskeletal problems. The study found that PNE was associated with greater improvements in pain, disability and kinesiophobia in the short-term.
Research has shown that PNE can be used to treat pain in combination with other therapies.
- Spinal pain
- Migraine
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain in adolescents
Additional Benefits
Although it is not known if pain reprocessing therapy can be used to treat other non-painful conditions, there are good reasons to believe so.
Fibromyalgia-Related pain and Function Symptoms Research has shown that people suffering from fibromyalgia may experience pain neuroeducation, which can help them improve their functional status and reduce pain.
PNE can reduce fear of movement and pain sensitivity in osteoarthritis patients who are going to have their knees replaced.
General Health and Wellness Benefits of PRT
Because PRT is a pain-focused treatment, it does not apply to general health.
Research shows that psychological problems and chronic pain are closely linked. Chronic pain sufferers are four times more likely than people who are not suffering from it to experience depression or anxiety. Chronic pain can make it difficult to do many activities such as working outside the home, schooling, and household chores. The more severe the pain, the worse their overall health, lifestyle and cognitive impairments.
It is obvious that chronic pain relief (via PRT or another method) can lead to psychological well-being and improved psychological health.
How to find PRT practitioners
Search the Pain Reprocessing Therapy Institute Clinician Directory to find a pain reprocessing therapist.
The PRT Institute must issue certification for a practitioner to be included in the directory.
A trained physical therapist with a therapeutic pain specialist certification can teach you about pain neuroscience.
What to Expect
Pain reprocessing therapy is often eight one-hour sessions with a certified PRT therapist. This treatment can be done twice weekly for four weeks.
The sessions include:
- Personalized evidence to help with centralized pain
- While seated, pay attention to your pain sensations and avoid any postures or movements that could cause it.
- Learn how to deal with psychosocial threats (difficult feelings) that can increase pain
- Learn techniques to improve your self-compassion and positive emotions
Are PRTs expensive? Will insurance cover them?
Although the cost of psychotherapy can vary, most providers charge $100-200 per session. However, there may be reduced or sliding-scale rates.
Many health insurance policies cover at least part of the costs of physical therapy and psychotherapy to treat pain. Medicare covers 80 percent of both physical and mental therapy costs. Ask your insurance provider for information about the cost of psychological and physical therapy.
