There is growing evidence that secondary prevention of costly and disabling musculoskeletal-related pain requires clinicians to 1) identify those patients at risk for becoming disabled with musculoskeletal pain, and 2) implement intervention strategies to address the cognitive and affective tendencies that coexist with the physical impairments associated with musculoskeletal pain. Physical therapists are equipped to be the leaders in preventing musculoskeletal pain and disability. The focus of this seminar is to introduce and train PTs in the skills to take this lead.

This training will enable physical therapists to improve their effectiveness in identifying psychological impairments associated with commonly diagnosed mental disorders. And then incorporate interviewing, communication skills, and action-oriented patient education to optimally structure therapist-patient relationships that promote the patient's self-responsibility and efficacy. This training will highlight clinical practice guideline recommendations providing strategies to prevent the progression of acute pain to chronic, disabling conditions. Patient education and counseling strategies discussed and practiced during this session will equip therapists with fundamental skills to address 1) personality disorders, such as paranoid, avoidant, borderline, or dependent disorders, 2) cognitive tendencies, such as anxiety or fear, 3) affective tendencies, such as depression, 4) pain catastrophizing, such as exaggerated pain experiences, and 5) generalized pain, such as maladaptive central nervous system sensitivity.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this seminar, a participant will be able to:

1. Identify and be motivated to alter common practice patterns that promote longstanding, chronic musculoskeletal pain.
2. Describe the three practice dimensions driving the clinical decisions of clinicians working with individuals to prevent or manage chronic low back pain.
3. Conduction an initial intake and follow-up sessions with a client using Motivational Interviewing.
4. Perform an assessment to determine the presence of mental impairments in the form of cognitive or affective tendencies predictive of the progression of acute pain to chronic disabling pain.
5. Implement education and counseling strategies specific to the presenting mental impairments of individuals with musculoskeletal pain, which have the best evidence to assist the individual with mitigating the progression toward chronic musculoskeletal pain