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Pain management by occupational therapists.
1San Jose State University, California.
Summary
Chronic pain in physical disabilities can hinder therapy. Occupational therapists can help manage pain by activating natural pain-reducing mechanisms using noninvasive methods, activities, and self-therapy.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pain Management
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Chronic pain frequently affects individuals with physical disabilities, often leading to therapy non-adherence.
- Patient uncooperativeness and reluctance to move are common challenges in managing chronic pain during rehabilitation.
- Pain can manifest as projected discomfort, impacting the patient-therapist relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological mechanisms underlying natural pain reduction.
- To explore how occupational therapists can facilitate these pain-reducing mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of physiological pain modulation.
- Analysis of occupational therapy interventions for chronic pain.
Main Results:
- Identification of natural physiological pathways for pain perception reduction.
- Occupational therapy strategies can activate these endogenous pain control systems.
Conclusions:
- Occupational therapists play a key role in managing chronic pain in individuals with physical disabilities.
- Facilitating natural pain mechanisms through noninvasive modalities, functional activities, and therapeutic use of self is effective.
- Improved pain management can enhance patient cooperation and therapeutic outcomes.