THE INTERCONNECTION OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY AND PHYSIOTHERAPY: A COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH STUDY ON PAIN MANAGEMENT, FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY, AND MENTAL WELL-BEING

Abstract

Chronic pain represents a complex biopsychosocial condition that demands an integrative therapeutic approach. This study explored the synergistic effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and physiotherapy on pain management, functional recovery, and mental well-being. A randomized controlled trial was implemented involving 120 adults diagnosed with chronic musculoskeletal pain, distributed equally among four groups: CBT only, physiotherapy only, combined CBT + physiotherapy, and control. The interventions were conducted over 12 weeks, followed by a 3-month follow-up to assess sustained outcomes. Standardized tools, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index were employed. The combined CBT + physiotherapy group exhibited the greatest reduction in pain intensity (VAS mean = 2.8 ± 0.9) and significant enhancements in functional ability, emotional resilience, and quality of life (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between functional independence and psychological well-being (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). The results confirm that integrating psychological and physical rehabilitation strategies yields superior multidimensional outcomes, supporting the biopsychosocial model as the most effective framework for chronic pain intervention and highlighting the therapeutic advantage of coordinated CBT-physiotherapy interventions in achieving holistic recovery and long-term patient well-being.