National Physiotherapy Month 2023: Resources

Canadian Pain Task Force (CPTF) Report
General Research – chronic pain and physiotherapy interventions
Marginalized Groups and Chronic Pain
Women’s Health and Chronic Pain
Paediatrics and Chronic Pain

The Canadian Pain Task Force

The Canadian Pain Task Force (Health Canada): An action plan for pain in Canada

Fiona Campbell et al. (2021). ‘An action plan for pain in Canada’. Health Canada. Professional Practice – report-rapport-2021-eng.pdf –

A report outlining the guidance that the Canadian Pain Task Force has established aimed at providing the federal government with an improved approach for the prevention and management of chronic pain

General Research (Chronic pain and physiotherapy interventions)

Physiotherapists’ experiences with and perspectives on implementing an evidence-based, chronic pain self-management programme in primary health care: A qualitative study

Emily Brewer et al. (2021). ‘Physiotherapists’ experiences with and perspectives on implementing an evidence-based, chronic pain self-management programme in primary health care: A qualitative study’. Physiotherapy Canada, vol.73, no.2, pp.159-167. Physiotherapists’ Experiences with and Perspectives on Implementing an Evidence-Based, Chronic Pain Self-Management Programme in Primary Health Care: A Qualitative Study | Physiotherapy Canada (utpjournals.press)

This study explores the physiotherapist-led chronic pain self-management programme (COMMENCE) in primary health care, suggesting that it improves function for people living with chronic pain

The revised IASP definition of pain and accompanying notes: Considerations for the physiotherapy profession

Vader, Kyle et. Al. (2021). ‘The revised IASP definition of pain and accompanying notes: Considerations for the physiotherapy profession’. Physiotherapy Canada, vol.73, no.2, pp.103-106. The Revised IASP Definition of Pain and Accompanying Notes: Considerations for the Physiotherapy Profession – PMC (nih.gov)

This article reviews the International Association for the Study of Pain’s (IASP) revised definition of pain and its implications for the physiotherapy profession

The multimodal assessment model of pain – A novel framework for further integrating the subjective pain experience within research and practice

Wideman, Timothy H. et al. (2019). ‘The multimodal assessment model of pain – A novel framework for further integrating the subjective pain experience within research and practice’. Clinical Journal of Pain, vol.35, no.3, pp.212-221. The Multimodal Assessment Model of Pain – PMC (nih.gov)

This article relays the necessity of a multimodal assessment model of pain and clinical strategies that aim to better recognize and alleviate suffering among people living with pain

Exploring physiotherapy practice within hospital-based interprofessional chronic pain clinics in Ontario

Thacker, Linnea et. Al. (2021). ‘Exploring physiotherapy practice within hospital-based interprofessional chronic pain clinics in Ontario’. Canadian Journal of Pain, vol.5, no.1, pp.96-106. Exploring physiotherapy practice within hospital-based interprofessional chronic pain clinics in Ontario (tandfonline.com)

This piece explores how physiotherapy supports patients to increase their functional capabilities through the promotion of active chronic pain management strategies

Barriers to Physiotherapists’ Use of Professional Development Tools for Chronic Pain: A Knowledge Translation Study

Etheridge, Tori et al. (2022). ‘Barriers to physiotherapists’ use of professional development tools for chronic pain: A knowledge translation study’. Physiotherapy Canada, vol.74, no.4, pp.355-362. Barriers to Physiotherapists’ Use of Professional Development Tools for Chronic Pain: A Knowledge Translation Study | Physiotherapy Canada (utpjournals.press)

This work highlights the important role that Physiotherapists play in helping Canadians manage chronic pain while emphasizing that evidence-informed management strategies include the address of a more comprehensive range of factors
Relationship between lack of adequate pain management strategies and the opioid crisis: “Given that chronic pain increases the likelihood that patients will use opioids, inadequate pain management poses significant risk of harm to public health”.
Note: The indirect and direct costs of Chronic pain in Canada amount to approx. 60 billion per year

The biopsychosocial model is lost in translation: from misrepresentation to an enactive modernization

Cormack, Ben et. Al. (2022). ‘The biopsychosocial model is lost in translation: from misrepresentation to an enactive modernization’. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. The biopsychosocial model is lost in translation: from misrepresentation to an enactive modernization – PubMed (nih.gov)

This paper outlines how an enactive biopsychosocial approach to musculoskeletal care addresses theoretical limitations in clinical care and will make way for the greater appreciation of patients’ complex and changing experiences

Person-centered care for musculoskeletal pain: Putting principles into practice

Hutting, Nathan et al. (2022). ‘Person-centered care for musculoskeletal pain: Putting principles into practice’. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, vol.62. Person-centered care for musculoskeletal pain: Putting principles into practice – ScienceDirect

This piece highlights three principles of a person-centered framework for musculoskeletal pain to help clinicians integrate it into their practice and recommend its implementation

Physiotherapist-led rehabilitation for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: Interventions and promising long-term outcomes

Schouenborg, Anna Trulsson; Fischer, Marcelo Rivano; Bondesson, Elisabeth; Joud, Anna. (2021). ‘Physiotherapist-led rehabilitation for patients with chronic musculoskeletal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, vol.22, no.910. Physiotherapist-led rehabilitation for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: interventions and promising long-term outcomes | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)

This study found that physiotherapy rehabilitation programs improved pain, disability, and overall health in half of the patients studied

Role of rehabilitation in opioid tapering: A scoping review

Wiens, Miranda et al. (2022). ‘Role of rehabilitation in opioid tapering: A scoping review’. Physiotherapy Canada, vol.74, no.1, pp.75-85. Role of Rehabilitation in Opioid Tapering: A Scoping Review | Physiotherapy Canada (utpjournals.press)

Acknowledging that Canada has a very high opioid prescribing rate for pain management, this study scopes out the availability of literature on physiotherapy as an alternative pain managing strategy

Combining a psychological intervention with physiotherapy. A systematic review to determine the effect on physical function and quality of life for adults with chronic pain

Wilson, S.; Cramp, F. (2018). ‘Combining a psychological intervention with physiotherapy: A systematic review to determine the effect on physical function and quality of life for adults with chronic pain’. Physical Therapy Reviews: Musculoskeletal conditions and pain management, vol.28, pp.214-226. Combining a psychological intervention with physiotherapy: A systematic review to determine the effect on physical function and quality of life for adults with chronic pain: Physical Therapy Reviews: Vol 23, No 3 (tandfonline.com)

This study presents evidence that physiotherapy combined with psychological interventions is more effective in enhancing the physical functioning of patients with chronic spinal pain

Physiotherapists using the biopsychosocial model for chronic pain: Barriers and facilitators – A scoping review

Van Dijk, Han et Al. (2023). ‘Physiotherapists using the biopsychosocial model for chronic pain: Barriers and facilitators – A scoping review’. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol.20, no.1634, pp.1-15. Physiotherapists Using the Biopsychosocial Model for Chronic Pain

This study identifies eight groups of facilitators and barriers to the use of a biopsychosocial model in physiotherapy for chronic pain

Depicting individual responses to physical therapist led chronic pain self-management support with pain science education and exercise in primary health care: multiple case studies

Miller, Jordan et. Al. (2017). ‘Depicting individual responses to physical therapist led chronic pain self-management support with pain science education and exercise in primary health care: multiple case studies’. Archives of Physiotherapy, vol.7, no.4, pp. 1-12. Depicting individual responses to physical therapist led chronic pain self-management support with pain science education and exercise in primary health care: multiple case studies – PMC (nih.gov)

This study explores the potential of self-management strategies (individualized exercise, pain science education, etc.) provided by physiotherapists to improve function in people with chronic pain

White Paper: Yoga therapy and pain – How yoga therapy serves in comprehensive integrative pain management, and how it can do more

Pearson, Neil et al. (2020). ‘White Paper: Yoga therapy and pain – How yoga therapy serves in comprehensive integrative pain management, and how it can do more’. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, vol.30, pp.117-133. White Paper: Yoga therapy and pain

This study explores the role of yoga therapy for chronic pain management as part of a multidisciplinary approach

An approach to chronic pain: cognitive functional therapy

Paincasts: Season 2 Episode 11. ‘An approach to chronic pain: cognitive functional therapy’. https://physiotherapy.ca/app/uploads/2022/08/s2e111.mp3

Dr. Sullivan (Musculoskeletal therapist) discusses cognitive functional therapy as an approach to chronic pain

Applying Pain Science with Arthur Woznowski

Paincasts: Episode 4. ‘Applying pain science with Arthur Woznowski-Vu’. Ep04: Applying Pain Science with Arthur Woznowski-Vu – Paincast | Podcast on Spotify

Arthur Woznowski-Vu, Chair of the Pain Science Division, speaks about his research and advocacy at the pain science division, the value of the pain science division, and the importance of integrating pain science with physiotherapy practice

Addressing pain through advanced practice physiotherapy with Rob Werstine

Paincasts: Episode 5. ‘Addressing pain through advanced practice physiotherapy with Rob Werstine’. Ep05: Addressing pain through advanced practice physiotherapy with Rob Werstine – Paincast | Podcast on Spotify

Rob Werstine, an Advanced Practice Provider in the Rapid Access Clinic for Low Back Pain, discusses the value of advanced practice providers in the healthcare system, the current advanced practice model, and how physiotherapists are well-positioned to respond to the need for better pain management in Canada

Neuropathic pain: Mechanisms, sex differences, and potential therapies for a global problem

Ghazisaeidi, Shahrzad; Muley, Milind M.; Salter, Michael W. (2023). ‘Neuropathic pain: Mechanisms, sex differences, and potential therapies for a global problem’. The Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, vol.63, pp.565-583. Neuropathic Pain: Mechanisms, Sex Differences, and Potential Therapies for a Global Problem (annualreviews.org)

This study reviews sex differences and similarities in cellular and molecular signals that drive the generation and resolution of neuropathic pain, ultimately highlighting that the scarcity of safe and effective pain treatments compels targeted therapies to increase therapeutic options that will help reduce the global burden of suffering

Pain Science: Learning Resources

Arthur Woznowski-Vu, Chair of the Pain Science Division, has curated learning resources on the science behind pain

Marginalized Groups and Chronic Pain

Opportunities and challenges for physical rehabilitation with Indigenous populations

Lin, Ivan; Coffin, Juli; Bullen, Jonathan; Barnabe, Cheryl. (2020). ‘Opportunities and challenges for physical rehabilitation with indigenous populations’. PubMed Central, vol.5, no.5. Opportunities and challenges for physical rehabilitation with indigenous populations – PMC (nih.gov)

Improving physiotherapy services and access to pain management and prevention strategies involves using Indigenous-identified indicators in quality improvement and the employment of Indigenous people as physical rehabilitation professionals or allies

Physiotherapy and Indigenous health: Are we there yet?

Flett, Priscilla; Fricke, Moni. ‘Physiotherapy and Indigenous health: Are we there yet?’. Manitoba Physiotherapy Association. physiotherapyandindigenoushealtharticledecember162020.pdf (mbphysio.org)

Physiotherapists are key care providers for chronic pain, yet access to physiotherapy services for Indigenous Peoples across Canada is very limited

Military veterans with and without post-traumatic stress disorder: results from a chronic pain management programme

Van Der Merwe, Jannie et. Al. (2020). ‘Military veterans with and without post-traumatic stress disorder: results from a chronic pain management programme’. Scandinavian Association for the Study of Pain, pp.1-9. Baranowski_[18778879 – Scandinavian Journal of Pain] Military veterans with and without post-traumatic stress disorder_ results from a chronic pain management programme.pdf (ucl.ac.uk)

This study explores the treatment of PTSD and chronic pain in veterans through a pain management model of care

Clinical strategies to develop connections, promote health and address pain from the perspectives of Indigenous youth, elders, and clinicians

VanEvery, Rachel; Latimer, Margot; Naveau, Angela. (2022). ‘Clinical strategies to develop connections, promote health and address pain from the perspectives of Indigenous youth, elders, and clinicians’. Frontiers of Pain Research – Sec. Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Pain, vol.3. Frontiers | Clinical Strategies to Develop Connections, Promote Health and Address Pain From the Perspectives of Indigenous Youth, Elders, and Clinicians (frontiersin.org)

This research study seeks to understand how Indigenous youth describe, experience, and manage pain and how they seek help

Physiotherapy for health aging

Liu-Ambrose, Teresa; Li, Linda C. (2022). ‘Physiotherapy for healthy aging’. Physiotherapy Canada, vol.74, no.1, pp.1-3. Physiotherapy for Healthy Aging | Physiotherapy Canada (utpjournals.press)

This piece offers insight on the efficacy of physiotherapy as a healthy aging strategy and a preventative strategy for chronic conditions

Physiotherapists’ views about providing services to people with severe and persistent mental illness: a mixed methods study

Andrew, Eleanor et.Al. (2019). ‘Physiotherapists’ views about providing physiotherapy services to people with severe and persistent mental illness: a mixed methods study’. Journal of Physiotherapy, vol.65, no.4, pp.222-229. Physiotherapists’ views about providing physiotherapy services to people with severe and persistent mental illness: a mixed methods study – ScienceDirect

Physiotherapists play a key role and are poised to become leaders in the treatment and management of the physical health of people with severe and persistent mental illnesses

Towards health equity for people experiencing chronic pain and social marginalization

Wallace, Bruce et. Al (2021). ‘Towards health equity for people experiencing chronic pain and social marginalization’. International Journal for Equity in Health, vol. 20, no.53, pp.1-13. Towards health equity for people experiencing chronic pain and social marginalization | International Journal for Equity in Health | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)

This piece explores the EQUIP Framework as an approach to healthcare that integrates trauma-and violence- informed care and culturally-safe care for people experiencing pain and social marginalization

Women’s Health and Chronic Pain

Physiotherapy for pelvic pain and female sexual dysfunction: an untapped resource

Berghmans, Bary. (2018). ‘Physiotherapy for pelvic pain and female sexual dysfunction: an untapped resource’. PubMed, vol.29, no.5, pp. 631-638. Physiotherapy for pelvic pain and female sexual dysfunction: an untapped resource – PubMed (nih.gov)

Physiotherapists play a key role in contributing to the multidisciplinary assessment and treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) in women, which is a common and complex health issue affecting many women across the globe

Physiotherapy for chronic pelvic pain: a review of the latest evidence

Leung-Wright, A. (2020). ‘Physiotherapy for chronic pelvic pain: a review of the latest evidence’. Journal of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy, vol.127, pp.26-38. 06_Leung-Wright.indd (csp.org.uk)

This study explores the efficacy of physiotherapy as a management strategy for Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) in men and women

Enhancing pelvic health: Optimizing the services provided by primary health care teams in Ontario by integrating physiotherapists

Dufour, Sinead; Hondronicols, Amy; Flanigan, Kathryn. (2019). ‘Enhancing Pelvic Health: Optimizing the services provided by primary health care teams in Ontario by integrating physiotherapists’. Physiotherapy Canada, vol.71, no.2, pp.168-175. Enhancing Pelvic Health: Optimizing the Services Provided by Primary Health Care Teams in Ontario by Integrating Physiotherapists | Physiotherapy Canada (utpjournals.press)

This study explores the potentiality of integrating physiotherapists into inter-professional primary health care teams to address common pelvic floor disorders, concluding that physiotherapists are key providers of effective, conservative care promoting pelvic health

The physiotherapy intervention for shoulder pain in patients treated for breast cancer: Systematic review

Giacalone, Andrea; Alessandria, Paola; Ruberti, Enzo. (2019). ‘The physiotherapy intervention for shoulder pain in patients treated for breast cancer: Systematic review’. Cureus, vol.11, no.12. Cureus | The Physiotherapy Intervention for Shoulder Pain in Patients Treated for Breast Cancer: Systematic Review | Article

This study explores the efficacy of physiotherapy in treating nociceptive musculoskeletal pain following surgery for breast cancer

An interprofessional, community-based integrated care model for individuals with fibromyalgia: A pilot randomized controlled trial in a small urban centre

Oelke, Nelly et. Al (2021). Abstract: ‘An interprofessional, community-based integrated care model for individuals with fibromyalgia: A pilot randomized controlled trial in a small urban centre’. International Journal of Integrated Care, vol.20, (3) pp.104. APIC2 Conf abstract A104.docx (storage.googleapis.com)

This abstract provides a review of a pilot randomized controlled trial on the value of patient-perceived quality care for fibromyalgia

Paediatrics and Chronic Pain

Clinical impact and evidence base for physiotherapy in treating childhood chronic pain

Campos, Anne Ayling; Amaria, Khush; Campbell, Fiona; McGrath, Patricia A. (2011). Physiotherapy Canada, vol.63, no.1, pp.21-33. Clinical Impact and Evidence Base for Physiotherapy in Treating Childhood Chronic Pain | Physiotherapy Canada (utpjournals.press)

Child-centered treatment interventions for children with chronic pain are crucial, and physiotherapists are uniquely qualified to provide assessment and management of kids with chronic pain

Physical therapy outcome measures for assessment of lower extremity chronic pain-related function in pediatrics

Mirek, Elizabeth et al. (2019). ‘Physical therapy outcome measures for assessment of lower extremity chronic pain-related function in pediatrics’. PubMed Advanced, vol.31, no.2, pp.200-207. Physical Therapy Outcome Measures for Assessment of Lower Extremity Chronic Pain-Related Function in Pediatrics – PubMed (nih.gov)

The biopsychosocial model is key to the management of complex pediatric pain syndromes, and physiotherapy is an essential part of this model

Online multidisciplinary interventions for paediatric chronic pain: A content analysis

Hurley-Wallace, Anna L et al. (2021). ‘Online multidisciplinary interventions for paediatric chronic pain: A content analysis’. European Journal of Pain, vol.25, no.10, pp.2140-2154. Online multidisciplinary interventions for paediatric chronic pain: A content analysis – Hurley‐Wallace – 2021 – European Journal of Pain – Wiley Online Library

This study explores the multidisciplinary chronic pain management strategies reflected within the existing online multidisciplinary interventions for paediatric chronic pain, identifying that physiotherapy and non-pharmacological care were the least represented chronic pain management strategies

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