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Physical Therapists’ and Patients’ Perceptions of Mindfulness-based Interventions Integrated Into Routine Physical Therapy: A Qualitative Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives The objectives of this reserach were to qualitatively explore the acceptability of mindfulness-based interventions among physical therapists (PTs) and patients, to identify barriers to implementing mindfulness-based interventions during routine physical therapy and to understand PTs perceptions of a mindfulness protocol and a protocol manual. Design Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted on purposeful samples of PTs (n=14) practicing in the outpatient physical therapy setting and patients (n=13) who received outpatient physical therapy. Rapid content analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts. Setting Outpatient physical therapy setting. Participants PTs who self-reported treating patients with CMP and who were employed at least 0.50 full-time equivalent and patients with CMP receiving LTOT were recruited (N=27). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Not applicable. Results Both PTs and patients were generally positive about integrating mindfulness into routine physical therapy. They particularly valued its potential to enhance pain management and appreciated the opportunity to learn an additional tool for managing pain. Some patients wanted the option of choosing whether to receive mindfulness. Some PTs and patients were concerned that the addition of mindfulness-based interventions to routine physical therapy would take away time from traditional physical therapy activities (eg, exercise). Conclusions Mindfulness interventions may be acceptable to patients and PTs. Patients may need knowledgeable PTs who can educate them about what mindfulness-based interventions are and how these interventions can be effectively integrated into outpatient orthopedic physical therapy.

Source: Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation

DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2026.100680