One of the first steps of treating with a pain science focus is to ask more in-depth questions about medical history and possible traumatic experiences that may have impacted a patient’s pain experience. This is followed by an evaluation that incorporates the nervous system as well as the musculoskeletal system. Educating patients in the neuroscience of pain is also a vital part of the evaluation and treatment process.
Exercises that are proven to soothe and “nourish” the nerves are incorporated into treatment plans for those patients with peripheral nerve pain such as sciatica. These exercises are known as “nerve glides” or “nerve flossing”. See
“What Are Nerve Glides (AKA Nerve Flossing)?”.
Often, this population does not tolerate a traditional exercise program. Therefore, a more graded approach to activity is followed. This utilizes a technique called “graded motor imagery”. Visualization is part of graded motor imagery. See “
Using your brain to ease your pain” for a description of how Dr. Hickman uses her own pain story to help a patient resolve pain from an injury using visualization.
In addition, clinical methodologies that are not proven to have lasting benefit are not incorporated into patient treatment plans. For example, the clinic does not incorporate ultrasound therapy in treatment plans for patients who are experiencing persistent pain because, while patients may enjoy the sensation of warmth provided by ultrasound therapy, this therapy is not proven to resolve chronic pain. See “
A Review of Therapeutic Ultrasound: Effectiveness Studies”.
