Why mindfulness matters in musculoskeletal therapies: a narrative review
Peter Bablis, Ryan R. Day, Sophia Bablis, Henry Pollard
Frontiers in Psychology October 17, 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1518141 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based interventions Neuro-Emotional Technique |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Biopsychosocial model Narrative review Psychological intervention Premise Stress linguistics Psychotherapist Cognitive psychology Stress reduction Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Argues that mindfulness-based interventions can mitigate chronic stress effects and serve as useful adjuncts in musculoskeletal care. |
Abstract
This narrative review explores the integration of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) into musculoskeletal (MSK) care, based on the premise that addressing the mind-body interface can enhance patient outcomes. First, we outline how chronic stress affects twelve physiological systems and contributes to the onset and persistence of MSK conditions. Second, we synthesise evidence showing that MBIs mitigate these stress effects through mechanisms such as improved attention regulation, interoceptive awareness, and reduced catastrophising. Third, we highlight Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) as a practitioner-facilitated hybrid-MBI exemplar that targets unresolved emotional stress patterns and aligns with the biopsychosocial model of healthcare. We also note contraindications via red and yellow flag considerations, emphasising the importance of careful patient selection and responsible application. Taken together, this review provides a rationale for incorporating MBIs as adjuncts to conventional therapies, supporting recovery, fostering resilience, and advancing patient-centred MSK care.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 49
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
and 44 more in the library