Pain

Pain Management

Chronic pain is defined as pain that is ongoing and persists for six months or longer. Chronic pain can take a serious toll on one’s physical functioning, quality of life, and mood. Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition that gets in the way of enjoyable and meaningful activities. Those with chronic pain often feel misunderstood by their friends, loved ones, and at times their medical providers. Often individuals struggling with chronic pain feel as if their pain dictates many aspects of their life. For these reasons, a number of patients with chronic pain conditions go on to develop mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Therapy For Pain Management

The goal of treatment is to teach the client skills to feel more empowered in managing their chronic pain effectively. Skills include relaxation and mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, communication, values, stress management, improving sleep, and activity engagement. These skills have research support in reducing pain levels, enhancing quality of life, and improving mood among chronic pain patients.

Among the chronic pain conditions I treat are neuropathic pain, chronic back pain, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, headaches and migraines, arthritis, cancer pain, etc. After the initial evaluation, I create a tailored treatment plan based on the client’s symptoms, goals, and primary concerns. Feedback and client collaboration is integral to the treatment process.