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Pain Smarts: a novel approach for pain management

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"Pain Smarts" takes the sting out of chronic pain management. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the pain system, the multifactorial influences on pain perception, and an overview of evidenced-based clinical approaches in managing patients suffering from persistent pain. Using clinically relevant analogies and concepts, we discuss pain neuroscience, clinical presentations using a Pain Impairment Syndrome model, the power of communication in patient care, the "Ex Factor" in pain management, and clinical implementation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define and identify types of pain that may contribute to patient’s clinical presentation.

2. Gain knowledge of the neurobiology surrounding persistent pain.

3. Understand the multifactorial nature of pain, and how pain can be viewed as a Pain Impairment Syndrome.

4. Appreciate importance of communication and word choice on pain perception.

5. Learn how to address the role of expectation and develop strategies for realistic goal setting.

6. Expand repertoire of pain management strategies.

A.J. Grzesiak

DPT, OCS, Cert DN

A.J. graduated from Central Michigan University in 2005 prior to receiving a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008. Throughout his career, A.J. has worked in outpatient physical therapy settings in the private sector and in his current role at the Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, MI. A.J. specializes in orthopedic care and pain management.

Todd Bailey

RN, MSPT, OCS

Todd graduated from Grand Valley State University in 1984 with a BSN in Nursing. He worked in several settings (burn, surgical and medical ICUs, hospice, and emergency rooms) dealing directly with acute and chronic pain. In 1998, Todd received his MSPT in Physical Therapy at the University of Michigan. Todd currently works at the Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, MI where much of his caseload consists of patients with chronic pain.

Course Instructions

  1. Click on the Contents tab to watch the course recording.
  2. Click the Take Quiz button to complete the assessment. Learners will have 3 attempts to pass and must answer at least 70% of questions correctly.
  3. Click Fill Out Survey under the Evaluation listing to provide valuable course feedback. Scroll down on all questions as there may be answer options that expand past the size of the window.
  4. Click the View/Print Your Certificate button under the Certificate listing. You can view/print your certificate at any time by visiting the APTA Learning Center and clicking the CEU Certificate/Transcript link on the left-hand side of the page. 

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Video
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Assessment
15 Questions  |  3 attempts  |  11/15 points to pass
15 Questions  |  3 attempts  |  11/15 points to pass Please complete the post-course assessment with a score of 70% or better. You have three attempts to obtain a passing score.
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Evaluation
12 Questions
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CEU Certificate
Up to 0.20 contact hours available  |  Certificate available
Up to 0.20 contact hours available  |  Certificate available Please download and save certificate for future use.
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