TARGETing Back Pain with Psychologically-Informed Physical Therapy with Anthony Delitto, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Pain Science Education

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT speaks with Anthony Delitto, PT, PhD, FAPTA a leading researcher in musculoskeletal pain, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and a career dedicated to improving pain care. Dr. Delitto led the groundbreaking TARGET Trial, a $13-million PCORI-funded study investigating how early intervention with physical therapy—specifically, psychologically-informed physical therapy—can prevent acute low back pain from becoming chronic.

In this episode, we dive into the findings of the TARGET Trial, how primary care providers can be trained to recognize risk factors for persistent pain, and why timely referral to physical therapy matters. We also discuss the critical role of physical therapists as primary care providers, the broader impact of poorly managed pain—including the overuse of opioids, unnecessary imaging, and low-value care—and what all of this means for patients, healthcare systems, and employers.

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Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO Integrative Pain Science Institute