Occupational Therapy Intervention in Chronic Pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is one of the most costly health problems encountered in our society today. The problems constituting the Chronic Pain Syndrome are typically composed of a complex array of sensory, perceptual, psychological, environmental and other factors which require the coordinated efforts of an interdisciplinary team. Occupational behavior provides a very useful frame of reference for the occupational therapist treating the chronic pain patient. This biopsychosocial approach focuses on well behaviors and functional role performance. This paper provides an overview of chronic pain and presents occupational therapy assessment and treatment strategies with chronic pain patients.