Addressing Social Aspects of Pain in Practice: Barriers and Opportunities

UPCOMING Webinar

October 7, 2026
7:00pm AEDT/AEST
CPD Hours: 1
Addressing Social Aspects of Pain in Practice: Barriers and Opportunities. With Prof Claire Ashton-James

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About this webinar


Physiotherapists and other clinicians who frequently care for people with chronic pain are, for the most part, aware that pain is a biopsychosocial problem that requires a biopsychosocial solution. Psychologically-informed approaches to chronic pain care in physiotherapy are becoming mainstream (slowly), however social aspects of pain and social approaches to pain management are largely left untouched by many clinicians. In this presentation, I remind us all of the critical importance of addressing social contributors to pain for patient outcomes, and describe the findings of a qualitative study investigating clinician-reported barriers to engaging patients in conversations about social contributors to their pain. The results of this study point to several key barriers to as well as several opportunities for supporting physiotherapists and other clinicians to address social aspects of pain in everyday practice.

About the presenter


Prof Claire Ashton-James

Professor of Social Medicine, social psychologist (PhD) and pain scientist

Professor Claire Ashton-James is a social psychologist and pain researcher at the University of Sydney’s Pain Management Research Institute. Her research explores the social and interpersonal dimensions of pain, including how relationships, communication and patient–clinician interactions can influence pain experiences and recovery. She has a particular interest in improving access to multidisciplinary, psychosocial approaches to pain management and translating research into practical strategies that support people living with pain.

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