Can Virtual Therapy Really Ease Chronic Pain?

Large US trial shows virtual CBT eases chronic pain better than usual care, fueling support for broader telehealth access

15 Jul 2025

A major US study has found that virtual therapy can deliver more effective relief for chronic pain than standard care, offering new evidence in support of telehealth.

The trial, published in JAMA in July, involved more than 2,300 patients across four health systems. Participants who received cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) through either live video sessions with licensed therapists or self-guided online modules reported greater improvements in physical function and reductions in pain interference than those receiving usual care. The benefits lasted for up to a year.

Researchers noted that typical treatment often relies heavily on medication and provides uneven access to behavioural therapies. The study therefore provides rare head-to-head evidence that digital interventions can produce lasting benefits.

"This is a strong signal that virtual care can offer real, lasting benefits," said one of the study's lead authors. "The next step is making these options more available and integrated into routine practice."

The trial embedded both therapist-led and self-directed programmes within health systems, demonstrating scalable models for reaching underserved and rural populations. Analysts said such approaches could ease pressure on specialist services and reduce delays in treatment.

For policymakers and insurers, the findings bolster the case for wider reimbursement of digital chronic pain programmes, especially in value-based care frameworks that reward long-term outcomes. Barriers remain, including gaps in digital literacy and workforce capacity, but researchers argue that the evidence points towards meaningful, system-level integration.

As health systems weigh investments in digital tools, the study highlights the potential of virtual behavioural therapy not only as a convenient alternative but also as an effective, durable treatment option for patients with chronic pain.