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Therapy Participation with Pain

Belkis Landa-Gonzalez, Ed.D., OTR/L

June 26, 2012

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Question

Would you encourage a patient to participate in therapy when they are in pain?

Answer

The old adage, "no pain, no gain" does not apply here.  When someone is in pain, rest is very beneficial.  We need to address their pain and not ignore it.  We also need to let the interdisciplinary team know what we are observing in therapy.  They might have insight into the problem or be able to suggest treatment techniques or pharmacological interventions.

  If the pain was severe, we could encourage participation in non-physical activities such as relaxation techniques, use of modalities or psychosocial exercises.  As their pain lessens or is more controlled over time, we could gradually introduce and encourage participation in meaningful activities.

 


belkis landa gonzalez

Belkis Landa-Gonzalez, Ed.D., OTR/L

Dr. Landa-Gonzalez is an Associate Professor of occupational therapy with over 19 years of clinical and consultative experience in adult physical and psychosocial rehabilitation working with a variety of conditions including orthopedic injuries, neuromuscular conditions, traumatic brain injuries and mood disorders. She has  worked in multiple settings from acute, to inpatient to home health settings and has been an occupational therapy  manager, leader and consultant. Dr. Landa-Gonzalez earned her doctorate in higher education and master’s degree in occupational therapy from Florida International University in Miami. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Florida occupational Therapy Association, The World Federation of Occupational Therapy, the Arthritis Foundation and the Traumatic Head Injury Association.


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