211: How To Approach Pain Neuroscience Education In Neuro With Dr. Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD
Apr 29, 2024
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Dr. Adriaan Louw, a pain science expert, discusses incorporating pain neuroscience education into practice, identifying readiness for change in pain, using key outcome assessments, and balancing pain and function in therapy. He emphasizes empowering patients through clear language, addressing pain beyond structural abnormalities, and promoting holistic understanding. The podcast explores the transition from musculoskeletal therapy to pain management, challenges in bridging orthopedics and neurology, and the impact of language on healthcare communication.
Addressing complex conditions with pain neuroscience education is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.
Empowering healthcare providers to integrate pain neuroscience education can expand treatment possibilities for patients.
Simplifying medical jargon and focusing on patient-centered explanations enhances communication in pain management.
Involving caregivers in pain management for neurological conditions is essential for holistic care.
Normalizing pain diagnoses and terminology while empowering patients through education is vital for effective treatment.
Balancing empathy and clarity in communication is key to guiding patients towards understanding and managing their pain.
Deep dives
Adrian Lowe's Journey into Pain Science and Neuropsychology
Adrian Lowe shares his unexpected path into working with persistent pain, transitioning from a musculoskeletal therapist to specializing in pain science. He emphasizes the role of mentors and patients in shaping his career. Lowe highlights the importance of addressing complex conditions and the shift towards a more holistic approach to treatment, involving education and understanding the nervous system.
Expanding Treatment Options and Research in Pain Science
Lowe discusses the evolution of pain science education and the broader applications beyond musculoskeletal pain. He advocates for empowering various healthcare providers, including therapists, physicians, and nurses, to integrate pain neuroscience education into their practice. Lowe underlines the significance of identifying ideal candidates for this approach, such as those with high fear avoidance or central sensitization, expanding treatment possibilities.
Language and Communication in Pain Management
Lowe emphasizes the significance of language in patient communication, recommending simplifying medical jargon and focusing on patient-centered explanations. He stresses the importance of validating patient concerns while gently guiding them towards a more comprehensive understanding of their condition. Lowe encourages therapists to acknowledge patient perspectives and gradually address misconceptions to support effective pain management.
Addressing Pain in Neurological Conditions and Dementia
Lowe highlights the under-treatment of pain in individuals with neurological disorders and the critical role healthcare providers play in addressing pain alongside functional limitations. He suggests involving caregivers in pain management for individuals with dementia, emphasizing the need for holistic care. Lowe advocates for a personalized approach that considers factors beyond physical symptoms in managing pain in neurological conditions.
Education and Research Initiatives in Pain Science
Lowe discusses educational initiatives in pain science, including programs for children and parents to understand pain. He shares insights on incorporating normative data in MRI reports to alleviate patient anxiety. Lowe explores the importance of research in understanding pain perception across different populations, highlighting the need for ongoing exploration and tailored interventions.
Importance of Normalizing Pain Diagnosis and Terminology
Lowe emphasizes the need to normalize pain diagnoses and terminology, showcasing the shift from alarming medical language to patient-friendly explanations. He stresses the importance of validating patient experiences while providing clear and accessible information to dispel misconceptions. Lowe advocates for promoting a collaborative approach and empowering patients through understanding and demystifying pain diagnoses.
Challenges in Addressing Patient Concerns and Misconceptions
Lowe addresses the challenges therapists face in balancing patient concerns with medical explanations, emphasizing the need for empathy and clarity in communication. He highlights the delicate process of guiding patients away from misconceptions regarding conditions like bulging discs, focusing on building trust and rapport to facilitate effective treatment.
Holistic Approach in Pain Management for Neurological Conditions
Lowe advocates for a holistic approach to pain management in neurological conditions, incorporating caregiver involvement and considering emotional and psychological factors alongside physical symptoms. He stresses the importance of addressing pain in conjunction with functional goals, empowering therapists to enhance patient understanding and support mental well-being.
Optimizing Language and Communication Strategies in Pain Education
Lowe emphasizes the critical role of language and communication strategies in pain education, encouraging therapists to tailor their explanations to patient needs and understanding. He highlights the importance of striking a balance between acknowledging patient concerns and offering accurate information to dispel fears and misconceptions. Lowe stresses the significance of ongoing learning and adaptation in effectively addressing pain in clinical practice.
Importance of Thorough Medical Examinations
Thorough medical examinations are crucial in understanding and addressing patients' pain. The speaker emphasizes that thorough evaluations, including checking different body parts, are essential before determining a treatment plan. By conducting comprehensive assessments, healthcare professionals can identify underlying issues and provide appropriate interventions. This approach ensures that patients receive the necessary care tailored to their specific conditions.
Impact of Pain Education on Patient Outcomes
Pain neuroscience education plays a significant role in improving patient outcomes. The podcast highlights the importance of educating patients about their pain, helping them understand the underlying mechanisms. By incorporating pain education into treatment plans, individuals can manage their pain more effectively and regain functionality. The speaker discusses using pain screens and strategies like mirror therapy to address pain-related issues, leading to enhanced recovery and improved quality of life for patients.
Do you work with people who have pain AND neurologic conditions? In our world it would be rare to find someone who doesn’t have at least a few patients or clients who experience pain either as a result of their diagnosis or even pain that is completely unrelated but persists. In this episode we had the privilege of picking the brain of one of the best pain neuroscience educators around, Dr. Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD, senior faculty, pain science director and vice-president of faculty experience for Evidence in Motion. As a leader in the field of pain neuroscience, Adriaan has authored and co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles related to spinal disorders and pain science. If you’ve ever seen him teach at a conference his courses are the ones with the overflowing rooms for a reason: He knows his stuff! And clinicians are hungry for the knowledge and skills that will help people with pain feel better and return to function again. We asked Adriaan the best ways to incorporate pain neuroscience education (PNE) into practice when working with people with complex histories. He discussed the importance of both education and an approach to function as well as how to identify who is ready for change regarding their pain. You’ll learn key outcome assessments you should be using for your patients who have pain and how to create a balance of addressing the pain and progressing function in therapy sessions. Assessments like the Central Sensitization Inventory Scale, Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire and Pain Catastrophization Survey can help you identify who will benefit the most from PNE. You’ll also learn how language matters and which words to use and which words to avoid when describing pain and other medical conditions as they can impact the pain someone is experiencing. We discuss how to approach a person who feels like their pain is completely physical as well as how much time or effort to dedicate to incorporating PNE in sessions vs other activities and with which patients. You’ll learn this and so much more in the episode!
Resources mentioned in the episode (Note, some require permission from authors. Links will give you the information needed to request)
Join the NeuroSpark waitlist to be the first to hear when we open again! Dr. Louw will be a presenter inside NeuroSpark in the upcoming quadrimester Summer 2024!
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