Introduction

Pain neuroscience education (PNE) represents a fundamental shift in how rehabilitation professionals understand and address persistent pain. Moving beyond purely biomedical explanations, PNE equips clinicians with evidence-based frameworks to help patients reconceptualise their pain experience. This course explores the 2020 International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) definition of pain, the science underpinning PNE, and practical strategies for clinical implementation. Whether you work in acute or chronic pain settings, this course will expand your therapeutic toolkit and strengthen patient-centred practice.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• discuss pain using the 2020 IASP definition and the significance of its key revisions for clinical practice
• describe the core principles of pain neuroscience education, including the distinction between nociception and pain, and the role of threat perception in the pain experience
• discuss an evidence-based clinical framework for delivering pain neuroscience education

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1-1.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.2 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.