Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that can be highly effective in managing chronic pain. CBT helps individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how these factors can influence their experience of pain. By identifying and challenging negative or unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about pain, individuals can learn to reframe their thinking and develop more adaptive coping strategies. CBT also incorporates behavioral techniques, such as relaxation exercises and activity pacing, to help individuals manage their pain more effectively.
The key principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain management include psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation. Psychoeducation involves providing individuals with information about the nature of pain, the factors that can contribute to its persistence, and the role of thoughts and emotions in pain perception. Cognitive restructuring involves identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, such as catastrophizing or overgeneralizing, that may contribute to the experience of pain. Behavioral activation focuses on increasing engagement in pleasurable and meaningful activities, despite the presence of pain, to improve overall well-being.
Andrew finds out the hard way what the term Functional Overlay means in regard to a slow or non responding patient. Have you ever heard of this term or has anything similar ever happened to you? Comment on our socials or on the podcast on Spotify! Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byHelix Pain Creams - I use Helix Creams in my practice and patients love them! Perfect in combination with joint mobs, IASTM and soft tissue work. Get your sample and start an additional revenue stream for your practice. Click here to get started. https://modmt.com/helixCheck out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-06-16
In a recent article in The Lancet Rheumatology, researchers show how lower back pain is a rapidly escalating global issue, affecting an estimated 619 million people in 2020 – nearly 10% of the world’s population. Experts predict that this number will reach 843 million by 2050.Compounding problems in the lower back epidemicAsia and Africa are expected to experience the most significant rise in lower back pain cases. These regions often already face challenges due to limited and overburdened social support systems and healthcare resources.The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problem. Increased inactivity due to lockdowns and poor ergonomics from remote work setups have contributed to the intensity and prevalence of lower back pain. Additionally, limited access to healthcare services during the pandemic has added to the suffering of individuals already affected by this condition.It’s important to consider that the provided figures may underestimate the true burden, as they do not fully account for the impact of the pandemic.The Societal Burden of Lower Back PainLower back pain imposes a substantial burden on society and the economy. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service spends nearly £5 billion annually on general practitioner appointments alone for this condition.Similarly, the cost of lower back and neck pain in the United States reached a staggering $134 billion in 2016. Of course, the consequences extend beyond the financial costs.Lower back pain leads to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and early retirement, particularly among the working-age population. There is also a strong association between lower back pain and higher rates of depression, leading to prolonged disability and hindering recovery.The researchers warn it is crucial to address the societal impact of lower back pain and develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate its effects.Addressing the Issue of Back Pain GloballyAddressing the global issue of lower back pain will require immediate attention and collaborative efforts. Solutions should prioritize strategies aimed at alleviating lower back pain in the workplace, where many people spend a significant part of their time.Implementing ergonomic practices and promoting physical activity can help prevent and reduce the problem of lower back pain. Moreover, improving access to rehabilitation services is essential for effective management and recovery.Specialized training for healthcare practitioners in the treatment of lower back pain can lead to better outcomes and patient care. Additionally, reducing reliance on ineffective and potentially harmful treatments, such as opioids, is crucial.Finally, the researchers stress that governments, healthcare systems, and policymakers must work together to prioritize lower back pain and allocate resources effectively. By taking proactive measures, we can alleviate the burden of lower back pain and improve the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide.Are you a professional helping in the fight against lower back pain? Take your practice to the next level with our lumbar area anatomy models.Via Dr. Jerome Fryer - Dynamic Disc DesignsCheck out our EXCLUSIVE Anti-Nocebo BLUE Nucleus Disc Model! This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-06-12
Andrew Rothschild is back with an interesting case of severe pain and hyperalgesia around the scapula area in a CrossFit Athlete. This is the second time in 1 year after good resolution the year prior. Both times there was no clear cut mechanism of injury. Then randomly on social media, Andrew saw two posts regarding a differential diagnosis of severe pain in this area in overhead athletes. Treatment ended up being the same, but it makes for interesting discussion on how and why these things may happen. Ever seen a case of nerve entrapment like this? Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byHelix Pain Creams - I use Helix Creams in my practice and patients love them! Perfect in combination with joint mobs, IASTM and soft tissue work. Get your sample and start an additional revenue stream for your practice. Click here to get started. https://modmt.com/helixCheck out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
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Posted by on 2023-06-08
For this episode, Erson talks about a recent case of marathon runner diagnosed with a grade 1 hamstring strain. It was an insidious onset after wearing orthotics for forefoot overpronation. Ever see anything similar in your practice? Do you screen the spine on every extremity patient? Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byHelix Pain Creams - I use Helix Creams in my practice and patients love them! Perfect in combination with joint mobs, IASTM and soft tissue work. Get your sample and start an additional revenue stream for your practice. Click here to get started. https://modmt.com/helixCheck out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-05-30
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used as a standalone treatment for pain, but it is often used in conjunction with other interventions. It is most effective when combined with other evidence-based treatments, such as physical therapy or medication management. CBT can enhance the effectiveness of these interventions by addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of pain. Additionally, CBT can be used as part of a multidisciplinary approach, where a team of healthcare professionals collaborates to provide comprehensive care for individuals with chronic pain.
There are several common cognitive distortions that may contribute to the experience of pain. Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion where individuals anticipate the worst possible outcome and exaggerate the negative consequences of their pain. Overgeneralization involves making broad generalizations based on limited experiences, such as assuming that all physical activity will worsen pain. Personalization is a cognitive distortion where individuals blame themselves for their pain, feeling responsible or guilty for their condition. These cognitive distortions can perpetuate the experience of pain and hinder effective pain management.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps individuals develop coping strategies for pain by teaching them to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about pain. Through cognitive restructuring, individuals learn to replace negative or distorted thoughts with more realistic and adaptive ones. This can help reduce anxiety and fear related to pain, and improve overall coping. CBT also helps individuals develop behavioral strategies, such as relaxation techniques and activity pacing, to manage pain more effectively and increase their engagement in meaningful activities.
In cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain management, several techniques and exercises are commonly used. These may include keeping a pain diary to track pain levels and identify patterns, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, engaging in guided imagery or visualization exercises to reduce pain perception, and gradually increasing activity levels through activity pacing. Additionally, individuals may be encouraged to practice mindfulness, which involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, to cultivate acceptance and reduce the impact of pain on daily functioning.
The duration of cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain can vary depending on individual needs and treatment goals. Typically, CBT for pain is delivered in a structured format over a period of several weeks to several months. Sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly or biweekly basis, allowing individuals to work through the various components of CBT and practice the skills learned in between sessions. The length and frequency of therapy may be adjusted based on progress and individual circumstances. It is important to note that the effectiveness of CBT for pain management is often enhanced when individuals actively engage in therapy and practice the skills learned outside of therapy sessions.
Acupuncture has been suggested as a potential treatment for insomnia due to its various benefits. One potential benefit is its ability to regulate the body's circadian rhythm, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, it is believed that acupuncture can help balance the body's energy flow and promote better sleep patterns. Additionally, acupuncture has been found to have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress levels that often contribute to insomnia. This alternative therapy also has the potential to improve sleep quality by increasing the production of endorphins and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and mood regulation. Furthermore, acupuncture may help address underlying health conditions that can disrupt sleep, such as chronic pain or hormonal imbalances. Overall, the potential benefits of using acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia lie in its ability to regulate circadian rhythm, reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and address underlying health issues.
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a technique that involves the use of electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions. In athletes, EMS can enhance neuromuscular control by activating specific muscle groups and improving the communication between the nerves and muscles. This stimulation helps to recruit a larger number of motor units, which are responsible for muscle contractions, leading to increased muscle strength and power. Additionally, EMS can improve proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space. By enhancing proprioception, athletes can have better control over their movements, leading to improved coordination and agility. Furthermore, EMS can also aid in muscle recovery and injury prevention by increasing blood flow and promoting the release of endorphins, which can reduce pain and inflammation. Overall, EMS is a valuable tool for athletes to enhance their neuromuscular control and optimize their performance.
Several psychological factors can influence adherence to home exercise programs in older adults. One important factor is self-efficacy, which refers to an individual's belief in their ability to successfully complete a task. Older adults with higher levels of self-efficacy are more likely to adhere to their exercise programs as they have confidence in their ability to perform the exercises correctly and achieve the desired outcomes. Another factor is motivation, which can be intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external). Intrinsic motivation, such as the enjoyment of physical activity or the desire to improve one's health, can positively influence adherence. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation, such as rewards or social support, can also play a role in maintaining adherence. Additionally, older adults' attitudes and beliefs about exercise, including perceived benefits and barriers, can impact their adherence. For example, if an individual believes that exercise can improve their overall well-being and prevent health problems, they are more likely to adhere to their home exercise program. Conversely, if they perceive exercise as boring or too challenging, they may be less likely to adhere. Finally, social support from family, friends, or healthcare professionals can provide encouragement and accountability, which can enhance adherence to home exercise programs in older adults.
Sensory integration therapy is a beneficial intervention for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as it helps address their sensory processing difficulties. This therapy focuses on improving the integration and interpretation of sensory information, such as touch, movement, and sound, which can be challenging for children with ADHD. By engaging in activities that stimulate the senses, such as swinging, jumping, or playing with textured materials, children with ADHD can develop better sensory processing skills. This therapy also helps regulate their arousal levels and enhance their attention and focus. Additionally, sensory integration therapy can improve their motor skills, coordination, and overall self-regulation, leading to improved academic performance and social interactions.
Patellar tendinopathy, also known as jumper's knee, is a common overuse injury that affects the patellar tendon. Several biomechanical factors contribute to the development of this condition. These include excessive load on the tendon, poor lower limb alignment, decreased flexibility, and muscle imbalances. Excessive load can result from activities that involve repetitive jumping or running, placing increased stress on the patellar tendon. Poor lower limb alignment, such as excessive pronation or valgus collapse, can also lead to abnormal forces being transmitted through the tendon. Decreased flexibility in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles can further contribute to the development of patellar tendinopathy. Additionally, muscle imbalances, particularly weak hip and core muscles, can alter the biomechanics of the lower limb and increase the risk of this condition. Management of patellar tendinopathy typically involves a combination of conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy is also commonly used to address the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to the condition. This may include exercises to improve lower limb alignment, stretching and strengthening of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, and correction of muscle imbalances. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the damaged tendon.