Handout

Pain Neuroscience Education

Therapy Insights Member Exclusive
Print Resource — US Letter — 1 page

Population:

Adult

Discipline:

OT

Diagnosis:

Chronic Pain

References:

  • Dydyk, A.M., & Givler, A. (2023). Central Pain Syndrome. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
  • Lepri, B., Romani, D., Storari, L, & Barbari, V. (2023). Effectiveness of pain neuroscience education in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and central sensitization: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(5), 4098.
  • Louw, A., Zimney, K., Puentedura, E.J., & Diener, I. (2016). The efficacy of therapeutic neuroscience education on musculoskeletal pain – A systematic review of the literature. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 32(5):332-355. 
  • Louw, A., Diener, I., Butler, D.S.,& Puentedura, E.J. (2011). The effect of neuroscience education on pain, disability, anxiety, and stress in chronic musculoskeletal pain. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 92(12):2041-2056.
  • Ma, X., Chen, R., Li, W., & Huang, P. (2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis of pain neuroscience education for chronic low back pain: short-term outcomes of pain and disability. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 1–20.
Use this resource to introduce pain neuroscience education and explain central sensitization using clear, relatable metaphors. It helps you shift conversations away from tissue damage toward nervous system sensitivity and supports more effective, function-focused intervention planning.
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