The role of occupational therapy in pain management

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016 Source:Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine Author(s): Wendy Hill Occupation is central to human behaviour. Occupational therapy is based on the premise that there is an intrinsic relationship between occupations, health and wellbeing. Chronic pain restricts the performance of activities that individuals need to, want to and are expected to perform. As activity performance is central to an individual's identity, these restrictions can further impact the person's psychological health and wellbeing. Occupation is not performed in isolation and the inability to fulfil valued family and social roles has a further impact on the person's social environment. The focus of occupational therapists working in pain management is therefore to enable individuals with chronic pain to participate in the activities that have value and meaning to them, despite their pain. The occupational therapy intervention will include the use of strategies such as activity management, activity adaptation, the development of coping strategies and vocational rehabilitation and may involve working with patients at home, school or workplace in addition to clinical settings. The aim of this article is to explain the role and value of occupational therapy within the pain management team.
Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research