Vol. 11, Issue 3 (2025)
Telehealth-based pain neuroscience education in individuals with musculoskeletal pain: A narrative review
Natalia-Maria Keklikoglou, Evangelia Papatheodorou, Michail-Angelos Mourtzos, Georgia Maria Kamparoudi, Paris Iakovidis, Konstantinos Kasimis and Vasileios Georgoulas and Dimitrios Lytras
Background: Chronic musculoskeletal pain can impair both cognition and physical function. Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) addresses these challenges by reshaping pain-related beliefs. When delivered via telehealth, PNE provides accessible and cost-effective care, promoting self-management and improving outcomes through multidisciplinary, patient-centered approaches. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize current research on the effectiveness of telehealth-based Pain Neuroscience Education for individuals with musculoskeletal pain. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar in July 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized trials, pilot RCTs, quasi-RCTs, and double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs investigating PNE interventions delivered via telerehabilitation. The methodological quality of the controlled studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Nine studies, including a total of 1.130 participants, were reviewed. Most studies reported reductions in pain intensity, with mixed results regarding disability and functional outcomes. The mode of delivery appears to play a key role in the intervention's effectiveness. A consistent benefit of telehealth-based PNE lies in its ability to improve psychological variables such as kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, and pain self-efficacy. Discussion: The findings suggest that PNE delivered via telehealth reduces pain and maladaptive pain beliefs in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. Although effects on function are variable, factors such as delivery format and patient engagement influence outcomes. Future research should aim to enhance methodological quality and adapt digital PNE approaches to diverse populations and clinical needs. Conclusions: Telerehabilitation incorporating PNE is effective in reducing pain and improving psychological outcomes, although its impact on physical function remains inconsistent. The integration of emerging technologies may improve personalization and accessibility, supporting further research to optimize digital pain management.
Pages: 31-41 | 1163 Views 178 Downloads