Archives

Types of Headache

January 10, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This piece outlines three different types of headache based on symptoms and presentation to help the reader understand the differences between some of the more commonly encountered headaches.
This content is only available to members.

The DN4 for Evaluating Neuropathic Pain: Interpretation and Implications for Practice

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
There are various evaluation tools that can be used to discriminate different types of pain to better inform clinical practice. The Douleur Neuropathique4 questionnaire (DN4) is a simple questionnaire that can assist with the diagnosis of neuropathic pain. It is a short, 1-minute questionnaire with a question and examination component. This resource includes the DN4 and a second page for clinicians which outlines current evidence surrounding the management of neuropathic pain.
This content is only available to members.

Temporomandibular Dysfunction and What to Expect

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be a source of jaw pain and stiffness. This handout is useful for clinicians who frequently treat TMJ disorders and for people who suffer from them. It includes causes of TMJ pain, what to expect, and what to do about TMJ pain.
This content is only available to members.

Smoking Cessation Online Resource List

January 6, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Many people who have long standing pain conditions also smoke, and quitting smoking can be very difficult. This intervention piece lists several helpful smoking cessation online resources that can be given to people interested in quitting.
This content is only available to members.

Smoking Cessation Counseling Tips for Clinicians

January 6, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Smoking is associated with persistent pain and many negative health consequences, but can be very difficult to quit. This resource outlines common barriers and reasons for quitting to help the clinician identify targets to discuss during the interview. It also outlines referral options to help people quit smoking.
This content is only available to members.

Sleep and Pain

January 6, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Sleep disturbance and pain have a bi-directional relationship: those in pain tend not to sleep as well and not sleeping well increases pain. This handout outlines how sleep can influence pain and outlines strategies that may improve sleep hygiene and thus reduce pain.
This content is only available to members.

Pain Management

January 1, 2022 by Megan Berg.
An estimated 53% of older adults experience pain to an extent that it interferes with their daily lives and independence. When a client has pain, it may often be the first area for a therapist to address in order to improve outcomes in other areas. This clinician resource provides an overview of many non-pharmacological pain relief options to incorporate into treatment sessions.
This content is only available to members.

Pain and Smoking

January 1, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Many people who have long standing pain conditions also smoke. This handout outlines how smoking can affect musculoskeletal pain and how quitting may help decrease pain intensity.
This content is only available to members.

ESTIM

December 31, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Electrical stimulation (ESTIM) is a valuable modality that can be used to address a variety of conditions and symptoms such as treating chronic pain, improving range of motion, and retraining muscles after injury or illness. This resource covers ESTIM indications, contraindications/precautions and provides a log to keep track of individual patient parameters in order to simplify utilizing ESTIM in the clinic.
This content is only available to members.

Nervous System Sensitization: Assessment Strategies for Clinicians

December 30, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Nervous system sensitization involves increased pain response in the absence of tissue damage. It is common in people with chronic pain. Identifying nervous system sensitization may improve care for these people by allowing the clinician to focus on time contingent exercise approaches and pain neuroscience education. This resource outlines several assessment strategies to identify nervous system sensitization.
This content is only available to members.