Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Chronic Knee Pain

(REJOICE Trial)

This trial explores whether Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) can help individuals who continue to experience knee pain after knee replacement surgery. It compares PRT, a therapy that teaches people to think about pain differently, with the usual post-surgery care. The trial also examines how PRT affects mood, sleep, and brain activity related to pain. Suitable participants are those who had knee replacement surgery, still experience significant knee pain three months later, and are comfortable with online therapy sessions. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures how well PRT works in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to the development of new pain management strategies.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is generally safe for treating long-term knee pain. In a study with 151 patients, 66% of those who received PRT became pain-free or almost pain-free after treatment. This outcome suggests that PRT is well-tolerated, with no major safety concerns reported. So far, PRT has not shown significant risks or side effects, indicating it might be a safe option for managing knee pain after surgery.¹²³⁴⁵

Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is unique because it focuses on retraining the brain's response to pain rather than directly targeting the knee or using medications like NSAIDs or opioids, which are common for chronic knee pain. PRT involves educating patients about how pain originates in the brain and can be reversed, emphasizing mindfulness and reappraisal of pain sensations as non-threatening. This approach aims to break the pain-fear cycle and reduce the perception of pain, offering a non-invasive and potentially long-lasting solution. Researchers are excited about PRT because it addresses the psychological aspects of chronic pain, which are often overlooked by standard treatments, and could provide a new pathway to relief without the side effects of drugs.

This trial will compare Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) with usual care for chronic knee pain. Studies have shown that PRT can help individuals with ongoing pain after knee surgery. In a previous study with 151 participants, 66% of those who received PRT reported being pain-free or almost pain-free after treatment. This marked a significant improvement compared to less than 20% of people who experienced similar relief with regular care. PRT teaches patients that pain originates in the brain and can be altered, helping them perceive pain as less frightening. It also incorporates mindfulness techniques to observe pain and foster positive feelings during pain episodes. These promising results suggest that PRT could be a valuable option for managing long-term knee pain.²⁵⁶⁷⁸