Psychology of Pain: What it Means and Why it Matters

As a modern health practitioner, do you feel comfortable treating patients with pain? As someone who suffers from chronic pain, are you content with your present treatment plan? As modern pain practitioners, how can we make a difference and improve the care we provide?  In 2011, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report stating […]

Part 1: Which Diet Works Best for Pain? [The Evidence]

Can the type of food you eat help ease the pain? Is a particular diet able to reduce the pain associated with various health conditions? Read on as we explore some of the current evidence around diet and pain. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. [Go here for Which Diet Works for Pain? […]

A Guide on Pain Education for Physical Therapists

There are two patients with sprained knee ligaments in your schedule today. One is a middle-aged man with diabetes that works as a mailman. The other, a young girl who fell while playing basketball at school. Since they share the same injury, your exercise indications will probably be similar. But would your recommendations about pain […]

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain

We are undergoing a revolution in our understanding of human pain and suffering. One of the most promising therapies designed to address human pain is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (pronounced as “ACT” in one word). Stemming from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), ACT is an empirically based, third wave cognitive behavioral therapy that uses acceptance, […]

Part 2: How a Physical Therapist Can Promote Health and Wellness

“Do you exercise three times per week?” “Do you eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables?” “Do you smoke cigarettes?” “Do you get 7-8 hrs of sleep each night?” Simple as they see, these questions may begin a deep transformation in the life of your patients if followed by skilled treatment and counseling. In a previous […]

Part 1: How a Physical Therapist Can Promote Health and Wellness

You put a great deal of effort into your practice. You apply the best of your knowledge and put every relevant skill to use. It is natural to feel frustrated when your patient comes back with the same issues, or even new ones, year after year. We are complex creatures endowed with the amazing ability […]