Cognitive Functional Therapy in Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea, Essex

We offer cognitive functional therapy in Southend at The Body Matters. Working with patients to outline the process of conducting an interview, examination and development of CFT management.

What is Cognitive Functional Therapy?

Cognitive Functional Therapy was developed as a person-centred behavioural approach for individualising the management of disabling lower back pain. This approach has evolved from an integration of foundational behavioural psychology and neuroscience within physical therapist practice. It is underpinned by a multidimensional clinical reasoning framework in order to identify the modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with an individual’s disabling lower back pain. It incorporates a person-centred approach to identify and target unhelpful cognitions, emotions, movement and lifestyle behaviours that drive pain and disability. CFT integrates cognitive and behavioural strategies with physical movement. It aims to address not only the physical aspects of pain but also the psychological and social factors that contribute to the pain experience.

How can Cognitive Functional Therapy help me?

Back pain is the leading cause of disability. There is growing evidence that back pain is a complex bio-psycho-social disorder. There are many unhelpful beliefs about back pain, that lead people in pain to become fearful, distressed, protective and avoidant. Understanding the multidimensional factors that underpin back pain, and developing skills to identify and target them allows for effective management.

How does Cognitive Functional Therapy differ from traditional physical therapy?

CFT goes beyond the traditional focus on physical exercises and incorporates cognitive and behavioural interventions. It recognises the role of beliefs, thoughts, and emotions in the experience of pain, and aims to change maladaptive beliefs and behaviours. While traditional physical therapy primarily focuses on the physical aspects of musculoskeletal issues, Cognitive Functional Therapy adopts a more holistic approach, integrating cognitive and behavioural strategies to address the multidimensional nature of pain. It recognizes the interplay between physical and psychological factors, aiming for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to pain management.

How does Cognitive Functional Therapy work?

Clinical guidelines recommend for people with persistent disabling back pain, once serious pathology has been excluded, that clinicians identify and target treatment toward the physical and psychological barriers to recovery. The aim is to coach people with disabling back pain to effectively self-manage their condition. There is growing evidence for the efficacy of Cognitive Functional Therapy for reducing pain and disability in people with disabling low back pain.

The key components of CFT are:

• Education: Providing individuals an understanding of their pain and the role of psychosocial factors.
• Functional Movement: Encouraging graded exposure to movement and activity.
• Cognitive Strategies: Identifying and challenging unhelpful beliefs and thoughts related to pain.
• Behavioural Strategies: Encouraging positive behaviours and lifestyle changes.

How long does CFT treatment typically last?

The duration of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the nature and severity of the musculoskeletal pain, the individual's response to treatment, and the treatment plan. It's essential to recognise that CFT is typically tailored to the individual, and the treatment duration can be flexible based on ongoing assessments and adjustments to the treatment plan. Open communication between the individual and the therapist is crucial to ensure that the treatment plan meets the individual's needs and goals.

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