Continuing our focus on National Pain Week, Nicole Andrews shares insight into her role as an Occupational Therapist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Persistent Pain Clinic.
- What words of advice would you have for health professionals when they are talking to a person with persistent pain?
Avoid threatening language (e.g. smashed, bone on bone), validate how the person is feeling, develop function goals and discuss a plan moving forward.
- What sorts of things can an OT do to help a person with persistent pain?
Occupational therapists address the issues that get in the way of being able to do the things that are important and help individuals to participate in daily activities in adaptive ways. From recommendations about assistive technology to advice about how to modify tasks/routines, budgeting skills, to assistance with developing a resume. Occupational therapists can help individuals develop and achieve functional goals and live a meaningful and fulfilling life with persistent pain.
- What are some strategies a person may use for managing a pain flare up?
Heat packs, gentle movement/stretches, relaxation/meditation, or participating in less strenuous activities that occupy the mind such as art and craft.
- What is the future of OT management of persistent pain?
I anticipate that OT will become more prominent in the persistent pain field with more roles developing within the community and primary care settings. This will enable more individuals with persistent pain to benefit from an occupational therapist’s specialist skill set.
For more information on persistent pain in Queensland, visit the network’s website.
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