Can physical therapy with a psychological twist tame ER back pain?

This pilot study explores whether a specialized form of physical therapy, called psychologically-informed physical therapy (PIPT), can be effectively delivered in the emergency department for adults with neck or back pain. Participants will either receive usual care or usual care plus PIPT, which combines physical therapy with psychological strategies to address pain. The study primarily aims to see if this approach is feasible and acceptable to patients, while also tracking pain levels, anxiety, function, and opioid use over three months. Results will help design a larger trial to test this innovative model more rigorously.