September is Pain Awareness Month, a time to elevate the conversation around chronic pain, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for better care for the millions of Americans living with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
At Confluent Health, awareness is only the beginning. Meaningful change starts with listening.
That’s why we launched Confluent Health’s latest proprietary research initiative, The Pain Perspective. By surveying more than 1,200 patients living with chronic musculoskeletal pain, alongside clinicians and referring physicians, we set out to better understand how chronic pain is experienced, treated, and perceived across today’s healthcare system.
The findings reveal something both encouraging and urgent: patients, clinicians, and physicians largely agree on what effective chronic pain care should look like. Yet too many patients still struggle to access that care consistently.
A Rare Moment of Alignment
Healthcare is rarely unanimous. Different stakeholders often have competing priorities, perspectives, and expectations.
But Confluent Health’s latest proprietary research initiative found remarkable alignment across all three audiences.
Patients, clinicians, and physicians overwhelmingly agree that chronic pain care should prioritize:
- Conservative, non-pharmacologic treatment
- Physical therapy as a foundational part of recovery
- Whole-person care that addresses both physical and mental health
- Coordinated, multidisciplinary care pathways
The challenge isn’t identifying what works. The challenge is ensuring patients can consistently access it.
The Optimism Gap
One of the most compelling findings from The Pain Perspective wasn’t about pain itself—it was about confidence in the future.
While 94% of clinicians expressed optimism about the future of chronic pain management, only 42% of patients reported feeling optimistic about managing their pain long-term.
That gap tells an important story.
Clinicians see what’s possible through evidence-based, movement-focused care. Patients, however, often experience delayed access, insurance barriers, fragmented care, and uncertainty about whether they’ll receive the support they need.
Closing this optimism gap requires more than excellent clinical care. It requires healthcare systems designed around continuity, communication, and patient-centered pathways.
The Future of Pain Care Is Already Clear
Our latest proprietary research initiative reinforces that the future of chronic pain care isn’t about discovering entirely new solutions. It’s about expanding access to approaches that already have broad support.
Patients want providers who listen.
Clinicians want the time and resources to deliver whole-person care.
Physicians recognize the value of conservative treatment and physical therapy.
Now, healthcare leaders have an opportunity to build systems that reflect this shared vision.
Moving Beyond Awareness
Pain Awareness Month is more than an opportunity to recognize the impact of chronic pain. It’s a reminder that meaningful progress depends on action.
By listening to the voices of patients, clinicians, and physicians, we can create care pathways that improve access, strengthen trust, and help more people achieve better outcomes.
At Confluent Health, we’re committed to advancing that conversation through research, innovation, and evidence-based care.
This Pain Awareness Month, explore Confluent Health’s latest proprietary research initiative, The Pain Perspective, to learn how more than 1,200 patients are helping shape the future of chronic pain care.
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.
