Webinar Dr. Kieran O'Sullivan: How can physical therapists influence psychosocial factors to aid recovery from musculoskeletal complaints: On demand webinar

Webinar: How Physical Therapists Can Influence Psychosocial Factors to Aid Recovery from Musculoskeletal Complaints

Speaker: Dr. Kieran O'Sullivan

Join us for an insightful webinar featuring Dr. Kieran O'Sullivan as he shares groundbreaking data from the newly published RESTORE trial on Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT). This session will delve into how physical therapists can influence psychosocial factors to enhance recovery for patients with musculoskeletal complaints, such as low back pain.

Musculoskeletal pain such as low back pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking physiotherapy. Yet the evidence shows that our traditional focus on anatomy and biomechanics is incomplete. Many patients continue to struggle because psychosocial and lifestyle factors—stress, mood, sleep, work satisfaction, beliefs, and activity levels—strongly influence recovery.

In this advanced session, Associate Professor Kieran O’Sullivan examines how physiotherapists can integrate evidence on psychosocial determinants of pain into clinical reasoning and treatment planning. Drawing on longitudinal studies and major RCTs, including the RESTORE trial, he demonstrates how a person-centred, evidence-based approach can reduce disability, improve quality of life, and make care more cost-effective.

Key Topics of the Webinar

• Understanding Psychosocial Factors: Gain a deep understanding of how stress, fear, anxiety, and other psychosocial elements can impact patient recovery.
• Role of Physical Therapists: Learn how physical therapists can integrate psychosocial assessments into treatment plans, improving patient outcomes.
• Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT): Explore CFT, an evidence-based approach that focuses on changing patients' perceptions and behaviors to reduce pain and improve function.
• Data from the RESTORE Trial: Get exclusive insights from the RESTORE trial, which tested the efficacy of CFT in managing musculoskeletal pain, particularly low back pain.
• Practical Application: Discover practical strategies to evaluate and manage psychosocial factors during therapy sessions.

Learning Goals

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Critically analyse the breadth and interaction of psychosocial, lifestyle, and physical factors influencing recovery in musculoskeletal pain.
2. Integrate complex evidence from clinical trials (e.g. O’Keeffe, Kent, RESTORE) into advanced physiotherapeutic decision-making.
3. Evaluate when psychosocial factors can be addressed within physiotherapy scope and when multidisciplinary referral is indicated.
4. Apply and adapt the principles of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT)—making sense of pain, exposure with control, and lifestyle change—to individual patient contexts.
5. Reflect and innovate in communication strategies that challenge maladaptive beliefs, enhance self-efficacy, and support sustainable behavioural change.

Key concepts from the lecture

• Persistent pain cannot be explained by anatomy alone. Early imaging and posture-correction advice can reinforce fear and over-protection.
• People with pain move slower and stiffer; therapy should build trust in movement, not avoidance.
• Effective care integrates three components:

1. Making sense of pain – clear, reassuring explanations that “hurt is not harm.”
2. Exposure with control – gradual re-engagement in valued activities to reduce fear.
3. Lifestyle change – addressing stress, sleep, work–life balance, diet, and activity.

• The quality of the therapeutic encounter and communication often determines the outcome more than technical skill.

Evidence summary

• Trials in Norway and Ireland showed sustained improvements in pain and disability with CFT compared to manual therapy plus exercise.
• A Brazilian trial found no effect, highlighting the influence of therapist experience and treatment intensity.
• The large RESTORE trial (≈500 participants, 18 therapists) demonstrated significant reductions in pain and disability and proved economically efficient (≈AU$5,000 saved per patient).

Implications for advanced practice

Effective pain management requires addressing both physical and psychological factors.

Building physical confidence through exposure rather than avoidance, tailoring care to the individual, and communicating meaningfully are central to evidence-based physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Scientific consensus affirms that pain is not only about tissue damage.

By considering the whole person and critically applying current evidence, physiotherapists can deliver more effective and sustainable outcomes for people with persistent musculoskeletal pain.

Why Attend?

Physical therapists play a crucial role not only in addressing physical symptoms but also in considering the broader psychological and social dimensions of pain. This webinar will equip you with the latest research and techniques to adopt a more holistic approach, leading to better patient engagement and recovery.

Accreditation

This webinar is accredited by Kwaliteitshuis Fysiotherapie and PQK, ensuring that your participation in this event counts toward your continued professional education (CE) requirements in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Event Details

• This is an on demand webinar and is available at all time

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is perfect for physical therapists, physiotherapy students, and healthcare professionals interested in musculoskeletal care, chronic pain management, and the integration of psychosocial factors into treatment.

Register Today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices for treating musculoskeletal complaints.

About the Speaker

Dr. Kieran O'Sullivan is a globally recognized expert in musculoskeletal pain, particularly low back pain. His research focuses on the interaction between physical and psychosocial factors, and he is a leading advocate for Cognitive Functional Therapy.

By attending this webinar, you’ll be able to apply new strategies to support patients in a more comprehensive manner, incorporating psychosocial aspects to aid their recovery. Register now to secure your spot and stay at the forefront of physiotherapy practice!