Chronic Pain Syndrome

By Nichole Clayton, PT, ATC

Chronic Pain Syndrome Overview

By: Nichole Clayton, PT, ATC

Chronic pain syndrome affects around 116 million Americans each year. It used to be that someone was defined as having chronic pain if that pain lasted more than 6 months. Now, pain that lasts more than a month is put into that category after the potential for tissue repair might normally occur. This shift indicates that health providers are recognizing chronic pain earlier. In addition, they are better able to stop negative attitudes and behaviors towards the pain.

Individuals with chronic pain are often given options to participate in a multidisciplinary pain management programs. This consists of a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals. It can include physical and occupational therapists. These therapy practitioners appreciate and can address the full complexity of a client’s chronic pain. Pain is multi-factorial and doesn’t only affect physical ability. Additionally, it affects cognitive ability due to anxiety and high stress levels.

To read more about the conservative treatment options at JOI, read this ARTICLE.

JOI Rehab

Physical and occupational therapists play an important role in managing chronic pain. They administer a variety of evidence-guided treatments. This can include:

• strengthening and flexibility exercises
• manual therapy
• posture awareness
• body mechanics instruction

Therapists are able to gradually increase the intensity of active exercises. They also educate the patient about how brain and central nervous system hypersensitivity contribute to their chronic pain. Therapist can evaluate the various physical, cognitive, and psychological elements simultaneously at play in someone with chronic pain.  Then the therapy practitioners can help clients to cope with and manage their pain. Furthermore, this is so people can accomplish the activities most important to them.

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JOI and JOI Rehab

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.