What are some of the ways described in this book in which physical therapists can help patients with chronic pain to improve their quality of life?
The management of chronic pain is difficult for all clinicians. This book provides the evidence that will allow the therapist to make an educated choice about treatment. The philosophy we present involves understanding potential mechanisms that underlie findings in the assessment of patients, and understanding the mechanisms by which physical therapy treatments work. For example, if a patient has significant central sensitization as a result of a pain condition, therapies designed to reduce central sensitization should be the first choice. These treatments could be ones aimed at activating the descending inhibitory system, such as TENS or exercise. The book also supports a multidisciplinary approach to the management of chronic pain that can be delivered in collaboration with a team that includes physicians, nurses, and psychologists. This team approach addresses the multidisciplinary nature of pain to reduce the sensory as well as the affective dimension of pain. Q: Which is more valu
