Chronic Pain Syndrome
By Nichole Clayton, PT, ATC
Chronic Pain Syndrome Overview
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.

Neck 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.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment at JOI Rehab for physical therapy, call (904) 858-7045. If you need to see a doctor, please click the banner below.
- To schedule a new patient or follow up patient appointment with your MD, please call (904)JOI-2000
- To schedule an appointment for physical or occupational therapy, call 904-858-7045 or visit 12 area JOI Rehab Centers.
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JOI Fracture and Injury Care
JOI Physicians are currently offering ASAP Fracture care. Make an appointment by calling (904) JOI-2000. This is a new option for patients who would like to avoid the emergency room if they have suffered a fracture or soft tissue injury. Finally to learn more about this service, read this article about fracture and injury care.