Pre-conference courses
Kick off your conference experience with one of our full-day pre-conference courses, designed to provide in-depth, practical learning on key topics in pain science. Participants can choose one of three specialised courses, each led by experts and tailored to support both clinical practice and research. All pre-conference courses will be held on Thursday, May 28th, 2026.
Preconference course 1: Pain Science Education – a versatile intervention
Explore how Pain Science Education (PSE) can be applied beyond traditional chronic pain contexts. This course dives into PSE for chronic musculoskeletal injuries, perioperative care, and breast cancer rehabilitation, providing both theoretical insights and practical strategies to tailor education to diverse patient populations.
Target audience: Clinicians (physiotherapists and others) and researchers interested in PSE.
Prof. Dr. Eva Huysmans
Dra. Elise Cnockaert
Dra. Simone Ubaghs
Preconference course 2: Effective Communication and Cultural Competence in Managing Non-Specific Musculoskeletal Pain
Enhance your ability to work effectively with culturally diverse patients. This interactive course focuses on culturally responsive communication, therapeutic alliance, and integration of cultural competence into daily practice. Participants will develop concrete skills to improve engagement, trust, and treatment outcomes across cultural contexts.
Target audience: Physiotherapists, pain researchers, and other rehabilitation professionals working with people with musculoskeletal pain.
Dr. Sanneke Don
Prof. Dr. Margot De Kooning
Dr. Amarins J Wijma
Preconference course 3: Beyond Pain – Physical Activity, Intensity & Recovery in Chronic Pain
Learn how physical activity and exercise intensity influence pain mechanisms, recovery, and overall health. Through short lectures, demonstrations, and live HRV monitoring, this interactive course integrates high-intensity interval training (HIIT), autonomic monitoring, and activity management to support evidence-based exercise prescription in chronic pain populations.
Target audience: Clinicians, rehabilitation professionals, and early-career researchers interested in the link between exercise and pain mechanisms.
Dr. Michel Mertens
Dr. Jonas Verbrugghe
Dra. Iris Meuwissen
Dra. Julie van Eetvelde
Drs. Timo Meus
Dra. Marthe Van Overbeke