Podcast: Do OTs and OTAs Manage Chronic Pain?

Outline:

Introduction

Key Takeaways (2:06)

Changing Perspective Can Change Your Practice (3:04)

Change from Biomedical to Biopsychosocial Approach (7:18)

Pain’s Purpose and Factors that Impact Persistence (11:22)

Addressing Pain Through an OT Lens (17:08)

Developing an Occupational Profile (21:55)

Pain Assessment Tools (27:32)

Addressing Psychosocial Factors (30:12)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (33:09)

Additional Treatments Using Occupation (38:48)

Pain Education, Relaxation, and Mindfulness (46:49)

The Interdisciplinary Team: Building Your Network (52:00)

Case Example (54:10)

Conclusion (1:02:08)

Niccole has 11 years of experience as an occupational therapy assistant in various settings such as acute care, long-term acute care, skilled nursing, academia, and outpatient chronic pain treatment. As part of her current role as one of the founding partners of Aspire OT, Niccole works to support other OT practitioners through exceptional continuing education. Niccole has been published in a textbook chapter and in OT Practice including co-authoring two continuing education articles. Niccole is also one of the lead authors for AOTA’s official document “Occupational Therapy’s Role in Treating Pain.” She was honored as the co-recipient of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s 2018 Terry Brittell OTA/OT Partnership Award. She has also been recognized for her leadership in occupational therapy as she was chosen for the 2017 cohort of AOTA’s Emerging Leaders Development Program and received the Gary Kielhofner Emerging Leader Award in 2020. She also holds a BA in Communication.

Kimberly has been working in the field of occupational therapy for 27 years, as both an OT and OTA. Her administrative experience includes 12 years of management in roles such as Regional Director of Operations and Corporate Director of Operations. She was honored to be chosen for and complete the AOTA 2017 Leadership Development for Middle Managers program. Her professional education experience includes co-author of two OT Practice continuing education articles and the AOTA official document “Occupational Therapy’s Role in Treating Pain” as well as a textbook chapter in “Adult Physical Conditions: Interventions Strategies for Occupational Therapy Assistants.” She has also served as a mentor, expert mentor, guest lecturer, and instructor for continuing education workshops nationwide. As one of the founding members of Aspire OT, Kimberly enjoys coaching OT practitioners as well as providing them with outstanding continuing education opportunities.

Wendy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University in Biology, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Florida A&M University. She has more than 25 years of experience working as a Physical Therapist in multiple care settings, including acute care, inpatient rehab, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and outpatient orthopedics. Wendy has a strong manual therapy background and has completed additional training in McConnell taping, geriatric care, McKenzie MDT, Maitland Mobilizations for the joints and spine. She is most passionate about using her manual skills to improve mobility and reduce pain in individuals of all ages. As a Lead Physical Therapy writer for Relias, Wendy enjoys being able to combine her clinical knowledge with her interest in research and staying up-to-date with changes and advances in the field of rehabilitation.