By Mr Iniyan, Physiotherapist, Chennai

Do you really think that all pain-related cases only need physiotherapy? Or just an orthopedic consultation?

If your answer is yes, then this blog is for you.

You must have come across the idea that pain is a one-dimensional issue, often addressed through the biomedical model. The biomedical approach sees pain as a linear relationship between structural pathology and the experience of pain.

For example, when a client comes in with a complaint of knee pain, the first step is often to check imaging reports like X-rays or MRI scans. After that, we take a detailed pain history to determine how much pain the patient is experiencing. Based on this, we set a diagnosis and design the treatment plan.

This is the biomedical model we commonly follow.

But why do some patients not recover completely?

Many patients continue to experience pain despite following biomedical interventions. This raises a critical question: Is there something missing that we are failing to address?

This is where the Biopsychosocial (BPS) Approach comes in.

Pain is not just a physical phenomenon. It is a complex, multifactorial experience. Not every pain stems from structural issues.

Some Factors Influencing Pain

  • Cognitive Factors – Catastrophic thoughts or negative beliefs about recovery
  • Emotional Factors – Anxiety related to healing or fear of movement
  • Social Factors – Low job satisfaction, cultural beliefs, social support
  • Workplace Stress – Psychological distress due to work pressure

To ensure a successful recovery, these factors must be addressed during patient assessment. A physiotherapist must consider these dimensions and refer patients to psychologists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals if needed. This mindset shift is essential to improve patient care and rehabilitation outcomes.

The Biopsychosocial Model: A Holistic Approach

The BPS model brings a holistic approach to treating clients, ensuring better outcomes instead of relying solely on the continuous biomedical model.