What You Need to Know About Health Literacy and Chronic Pain Outcomes

Research has investigated the associations between low health literacy and poorer outcomes in individuals with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, COPD, and diabetes (1). However, an area that remains under-explored is the possible relationship between health literacy and health outcomes in patients with chronic pain (2). Health literacy in patients with chronic pain has […]

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY OR PAIN EDUCATION: WHICH WORKS BETTER FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN AND LOW HEALTH LITERACY?

Low health literacy has been found to be associated with higher levels of pain intensity (1) as well as decreased health-related knowledge and overall poorer health status (2). Utilization of the biopsychosocial model is the recommended approach for treatment of chronic pain (3). This includes some form of patient education, which can vary widely based […]

5 Things To Know About Health Literacy and Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a common reason for patients to seek medical treatment from health professionals such as physical therapists. In fact, twenty percent of the United States adult population experiences chronic pain according to 2016 data (1). Pain is multifaceted, and the pain experience is unique to each individual, making it impossible to establish a […]

Physical Therapists’ Key to Benefiting Mental Health Treatments

Chronic pain sufferers who struggle to find relief often develop psychological challenges that serve to only accentuate their pain – issues such as anxiety, depression and a reluctance to move and exercise. This isn’t news to most private practice physical therapists who treat patients with chronic pain. Psychological interventions, many agree, should be included as […]

Coronavirus Concerns for People Living with Chronic Pain

(This post was updated on Friday, March 13th, 2020) The globe is grappling with the spread of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and people are looking for information on how to avoid infection and stay healthy. According to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control, most people infected by the virus around 80% show mild […]

Alternative Pain Management Techniques Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

The primary goal of chronic pain treatment is to reduce disability. It is often assumed that the way to effectively reduce disability is to first significantly reduce pain, and through pain reduction a person can return to life.  Newer and alternative approaches are being used by physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals, such as Acceptance […]