This study is being conducted to explore whether a guided breathwork session can help reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain and improve overall well-being. Researchers hope to better understand how breathwork may serve as a non-medication-based option for adults living with persistent pain.

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible to participate if you meet all of the following:

• You are between 18 and 70 years old

• You have experienced chronic musculoskeletal pain for at least 3 months

• Your pain is located in the neck, shoulder, back, wrist, or knee

• You are able to attend a single, 2-hour in-person breathwork session

• You can complete online surveys before and after the session, and at follow-ups

Exclusion Criteria

You may not be eligible if any of the following apply:

• You have a medical condition (orthopedic, rheumatic, or neurological) that fully explains your pain

• Your pain may be due to cancer, infection, or other specific conditions

• You are involved in ongoing legal action or a disability claim related to your pain

• You have a neurological disorder (e.g., Parkinson’s, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis) or history of stroke or traumatic brain injury with moderate/severe symptoms

• You have a respiratory disorder (e.g., COPD) or moderate/severe asthma in the past 12 months

• You have activity-limiting heart disease or peripheral arterial disease

• You have uncontrolled hypertension (SBP/DBP > 160/95) or orthostatic hypotension

• You’ve had a serious physical injury or major surgery in the past 6 months

• You have a serious psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, panic disorder) or were hospitalized for mental health issues (e.g., PTSD) in the past 12 months

• You are currently taking anti-psychotic medications

• You were hospitalized or treated for substance use disorder in the past 12 months

• You are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation

• You are pregnant

• You have glaucoma or a detached retina

• You participated in another interventional research study within the past 2 months

• You have cognitive impairments that would prevent full participation or comprehension

Here’s what to expect, step by step:

• Pre-screening – You’ll complete a brief online form to see if you’re potentially eligible.
• Phone Screening – You’ll complete a more in-depth interview on the phone to confirm your eligibility.
• Enrollment – If eligible, you will review the consent form over the phone and will be assigned to either the breathwork group or a waitlist control group.
• Pre-Session Surveys – You’ll complete a set of online surveys about your pain and well-being.
• Breathwork Session – If assigned to the breathwork group, you’ll attend a single, 2-hour guided session in a small group (2–4 people).
• Follow-Up Surveys – You’ll complete additional surveys 1 week and 1 month after the session to track changes in your symptoms and experience.
• Waitlist Control Group – If you were not assigned to breathwork, you will be given the opportunity to receive the breathwork intervention and complete additional surveys after you complete the 1-month follow-up survey.

Yes, all participants will be compensated. Those in the breathwork group can receive up to $65, and those in the waitlist control group can receive up to $105 for completing all parts of the study. The breathwork session will be held in a convenient location, and free parking is available.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.