In a recent research paper studying a new therapy called PRT or Pain Reprocessing Therapy,

33 of 50 participants (66%) randomized to 4 weeks of pain reprocessing therapy were pain-free or nearly pain-free at posttreatment, compared with 10 of 51 participants (20%) randomized to placebo and 5 of 50 participants (10%) randomized to usual care, with gains largely maintained through 1-year follow-up.

The study postulates that sensations can be controlled by retraining the brain to think about chronic pain, not as tissue damage, but as a sensory experience that can be mitigated by acceptance of the sensation.

Chronic pain, which is a leading cause of disability, often finds conventional methods of treatment ineffective. CP is usually maintained through fear, avoidance, and with the idea that pain indicates injury.

The study’s goal was to teach people, using PRT, to intentionally switch their belief about the causes and threat value of the pain. Through this mindfulness, the researchers found a decreased level of activity in the prefrontal cortex and somatosensory response.

Intervention included 1 telehealth session with 8 follow up therapy sessions in a 4 week period.