BTR 6: Current Practices of Physiotherapists in Implementing Psychologically-Informed Physical Therapy in Chronic Pain Management
In this episode, we dive into the intersection of physical therapy and mental health. We explore the research titled "Current Practices of Physiotherapists in Implementing Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy in Chronic Pain Management: A Scoping Review."
Join our host, Johan dela Paz, as he engages in a compelling conversation with the study's principal author, Dr. Eunice Garces, and this episode's guest reactor, Dr. Jovielyn Mañibo, a licensed psychologist and certified play therapist. Together, they discuss the key findings of the research, the importance of integrating psychological principles into pain management, and the real-world implications for physical therapy practice.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
The shift from the biomedical model to the biopsychosocial model in physical therapy.
The psychological factors affecting patients with chronic pain.
Practical strategies for physical therapists to incorporate psychologically informed practices into their care.
The challenges and opportunities for integrating mental health awareness in the Philippine healthcare system.
Don't forget to check out the research article in the Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy, available for free download in the description below!
Links:
Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy: https://soar.usa.edu/phjpt/vol3/iss2/4/
Subscribe to PT Meal Podcast: https://ptmealpodcast.com
Time Stamps
00:00:00 - Introduction - Welcome to Behind the Research, a special segment of the PT Meal podcast where we digest the science behind physical therapy practice.
00:00:22 - Episode Overview - Introduction to the episode's focus on the intersection of physical therapy and mental health, featuring Dr. Eunice Garces and Dr. Jovelyn Manibo.
00:01:51 - Research Synopsis - Dr. Eunice Garces provides a brief introduction and synopsis of her research on psychologically informed physical therapy in chronic pain management.
00:03:04 - Transition to Biopsychosocial Model - Discussion on the trend of physical therapists moving from the biomedical model to the biopsychosocial model of treatment.
00:04:41 - Inspiration for the Research - Dr. Eunice Garces shares the inspiration behind conducting the scoping review during the COVID-19 pandemic.
00:06:11 - Psychological Factors in Chronic Pain - Dr. Jovelyn Manibo discusses the psychological factors commonly identified in people with chronic pain.
00:07:44 - Adapting PIPT in the Philippines - Discussion on the challenges and progress of adopting psychologically informed physical therapy (PIPT) in the Philippines.
00:10:08 - Cultural Barriers - Dr. Jovelyn Manibo talks about the cultural barriers in the Philippines that affect the acceptance of psychological interventions.
00:11:09 - Physiotherapists' Role in Mental Health - Discussion on the role of physiotherapists in addressing mental health issues and the importance of collaboration with psychologists.
00:13:07 - Basic Psychological Interventions - Dr. Jovelyn Manibo shares examples of basic psychological interventions that physiotherapists can integrate into their practice.
00:15:01 - CBT-Based Physical Therapy - Discussion on why CBT-based physical therapy is the most common approach in PIPT.
00:17:21 - Integration into Curriculum - Debate on whether psychologically informed physical therapy should be integrated into the physical therapy curriculum or explored post-graduation.
00:20:06 - Systemic and Educational Barriers - Dr. Eunice Garces discusses the systemic and educational barriers to adopting PIPT in the Philippines.
00:24:10 - Scope of Practice - Discussion on the scope of physical therapy practice in the Philippines and the inclusion of mental health.
00:27:07 - Psychologically Informed Communication - The importance of psychologically informed communication in physical therapy practice.
00:28:58 - Training and Workshops - Suggestions for creating specific training workshops for physical therapists to become psychologically informed.
00:31:09 - Gradual Implementation - Dr. Eunice Garces talks about gradually implementing psychological interventions into standard treatment protocols.
00:34:00 - Collaboration with Psychologists - The importance of collaboration between physical therapists and psychologists for better patient outcomes.
00:37:01 - Future of PIPT - Dr. Jovelyn Manibo and Dr. Eunice Garces share their thoughts on the future of psychologically informed physical therapy in the Philippines.
00:40:12 - Conclusion - Final thoughts on the importance of being psychologically informed for both patient care and professional well-being.
Eunice Garces
Author
A physical therapist who is patient-centered, driven, and committed to providing high-quality care. Always looking for methods to alleviate pain and optimize patient's daily life. Passionate about finding purpose and adding life to years via physical therapy.
Jovielyn S. Mañibo
Psychologist/Educator/Researcher/Statistician/Trauma Counselor/Certified Play Therapist
BIONOTE: A Magna Cum Laude graduate for the program Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Lyceum of the Philippines, and TOP 4 Most Outstanding Student, she has worked as a part time tutor, a human resource generalist and is presently connected with LPU Batangas as a professor both for the undergraduate and post graduate programs, while also fulfilling her duties as the adviser of the registered student organization of psychology students, as university statistician and as a research coordinator for faculty and student researchers. Together with her advising students, she has produced, presented, and published various research in psychology and social sciences both locally and internationally.
Being a mental health advocate, she has facilitated different team building activities, career and mental health awareness training and programs such as Katatagan Program, MATATAG Kapamilya program during the pandemic. With interest and expertise in trauma assessment and intervention, she also spends her time volunteering in terms of provision of psychological first aid and mental health psychosocial support to survivors of crisis such during Taal volcanic eruption, the earthquake in Abra, and the recent survivors from Typhoon Kristine.
Dr. Mañibo, the current Department Chair for Psychology and Social Sciences, Program Chair for Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology of LPU Batangas is a licensed psychometrician, a licensed psychologist, licensed professional teacher, a certified play therapist and trauma counselor.