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Understanding Chronic Pain Through the Voices of Patients, Clinicians, and Referring Physicians

Based on insights from more than 1,300 survey respondents nationwide, The Pain Perspective explores how chronic pain affects daily life, access to care, recovery, and the future of musculoskeletal health.

Chronic pain is not simply a physical condition. It is a whole-person experience that affects movement, mental health, sleep, work, relationships, and quality of life.

A person's leg in blue pants is held by two hands, suggesting physical therapy or stretching.

PT-First Referrals for Chronic Pain: Why Physician Trust Isn’t Enough 

Physical therapy does not face a credibility problem among the referring physicians represented in The Pain Perspective. More than 85% ... Read More

A doctor with a stethoscope places a hand on the shoulder of a smiling elderly female patient in a clinic setting.

The Chronic Pain Optimism Gap Is a Patient-Experience Challenge 

Clinicians see reasons for optimism in the chronic pain optimism gap. They see patients rebuild strength, return to meaningful activities, ... Read More

A smiling female doctor in a white coat shows a tablet to an older, smiling female patient seated on an examination table.

Chronic Pain Outcome Measures: Looking Beyond Pain Scores

Pain intensity is easy to ask about and easy to record. That convenience has given it an outsized role in ... Read More

Older woman smiling with physical therapist reviewing recovery plan on tablet" (the site's current alt text — "An older woman with white hair smiles at a younger woman holding a green tablet, both in a bright office setting as she explains Pain Neuroscience Education

Pain Neuroscience Education: When Patients Understand Their Pain

For decades, pain has often been viewed as a direct signal of tissue damage. If something hurts, something must be ... Read More

patient wearing VR goggles while doing exercises under PT supervision

Hybrid Care Can Extend Chronic Pain Support Without Replacing the Relationship

Chronic pain recovery often happens between visits. It happens when patients try a home exercise, return to walking, manage a ... Read More

Pain Education Is a Trust Strategy in Chronic Pain Care

In The Pain Perspective, Confluent Health’s independent research study of more than 1,300 patients, clinicians, and physicians, patients consistently expressed ... Read More

Clinical Insight Backed by Patient Experience

Explore insights from patients, clinicians, and physicians on where care is aligned—and where systems need to improve to deliver better outcomes.

Build a Career That Moves Care Forward

Join a team committed to advancing physical therapy through education, innovation, and patient-centered care. Grow your career while helping people move better, feel stronger, and live with more confidence.

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Partner with a Leader in MSK Care

Join a network built to advance physical therapy, improve patient outcomes, and support long-term growth. Confluent Health partners with clinicians and organizations to expand access, strengthen care delivery, and scale what works.

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Leading the Charge on Pain Education and Advocacy