cognitive functional therapy

Question 1

What is Cognitive Functional Therapy

Answer 1

Cognitive functional therapy was developed
as a flexible, integrated behavioural approach for individualising the management of
persistent LBP

Question 2

What are the principles/ pillars of Cognitive Functional Therapy?

Answer 2

• Making sense of the patient’s pain
• exposure with control
• lifestyle change

Question 3

what does ‘making sense of pain’ involve

Answer 3

This involves helping the person understand their pain as a protective response influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors — not just tissue damage. It aims to reduce fear and catastrophizing by reframing pain as meaningful but modifiable, improving confidence and self-efficacy.
- Using an individual’s own story and word
- Non-judgemental and sensitive
- Exploration of individual contextual factors, negative pain beliefs, and unhelpful emotional and behavioural responses

Question 4

what is exposure with control

Answer 4

Gradual, guided exposure to feared or avoided movements and activities to retrain the body and brain’s response to pain. The focus is on restoring normal movement patterns, building confidence, and reducing sensitivity by engaging safely rather than avoiding.

Question 5

what lifestyle changes can you make

Answer 5

• physical activity
• boom-bust cycle
• pacing techniques
• sleep hygeine
• relaxation techniques