RESEARCH

Horticultural Therapy for Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Results of a Pilot Study

Patients in the horticultural therapy group had significantly larger improvements in physical functioning (SF-36 role physical score effect size = 0.71) and mental health (effect size = 0.46) compared to the control group.They also experienced greater reductions in anxiety (effect size = 0.26) and showed improved coping behaviors related to pain, confirming that gardening can positively impact both body and mind during chronic pain treatment.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Rehabilitation Centers

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health

Allied Profession Intersections: Physical Therapy

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

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Summary

This study tested whether adding gardening activities (called horticultural therapy) to a pain-management program could help people with long-term muscle and joint pain feel better physically and mentally. It took place at a rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland and involved 79 patients with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or back pain. One group went through the standard 4-week pain-management program, while the other group also participated in seven one-hour gardening sessions. Researchers measured patients’ pain, mental health, physical function, and ability to cope both before and after the program.

Both groups improved, but the group that did gardening therapy showed bigger improvements in several areas. They had better mental health, reduced anxiety, and were more capable of handling pain. These patients also reported greater improvement in physical function related to daily tasks. The study suggests that including nature-based therapies like gardening can enhance traditional rehabilitation programs and support healing in a more holistic way.

Link

Verra, M. L., Angst, F., Beck , T., Lehmann, S., Brioschi, R., Schneiter , R., & Aeschlimann, A. (2025). Horticultural Therapy for Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Results of a Pilot Study – ProQuest. Proquest.com.

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