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Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
Embracing Our Role in the Prevention of Chronic Pain
Mary Swiggum1, Erin Jacobson, Diane Wrisley
1Department of Physical Therapy, Wingate University, Wingate, North Carolina.
Abstract:
This perspective article advocates for pediatric physical therapists to increase their role and visibility in the primary and secondary prevention of chronic pain during 2 critical developmental periods: infancy and early adolescence. The opioid epidemic and the disabling aspects of chronic pain are adversely affecting children and their families. Health care disciplines are adopting measures that address risk factors for the development of chronic pain in children, including strategies to minimize acute procedural pain and parental education to reinforce healthy pain-coping behaviors. Pediatric physical therapists are uniquely positioned to develop and adopt strategies to aid in this effort. They routinely screen and evaluate children for developmental delays and work with children who are at increased risk for developing chronic pain as a sequela of their health condition or as a consequence of painful medical procedures.
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Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...

