Course Description

In recent years, pain neuroscience from a therapeutic perspective, has gained considerable evidence, especially teaching people more about the biological and physiological aspects of their pain experience. Current best-evidence supports that therapeutic neuroscience education improves pain ratings, function, pain catastrophization, physical movement and cost of healthcare utilization. Clinically there is a shift whereby more and more clinicians are gaining experience in teaching people more about pain. This, however, is a good starting point, but not the end-point. The ultimate expression of recovery is behavior change, or return to physical confidence.

Following the initial pain education, clinicians now need to embrace and impart additional strategies such as goal setting, pacing, graded exposure, motivational interviewing and behavioral change leading to a functional, empowered patient being able to resume a fulfilled meaningful life. The mantra of “despite pain…” should become the cornerstone of recovery, indicating an understanding of the pain experience, decreased fear and measurable, visible improvement in function. This highly interactive advanced course bridges the gap from initial pain education to independence. Through lectures, case studies, small and large group sessions, clinical application and motivational interviewing; clinicians will develop skills aimed at true behavioral change. 

Prerequisites

Therapeutic Neuroscience Education I: Teaching People About Pain

Agenda

Target Audience

Physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals.

Learning Objectives

• Strengthen and expand their knowledge and clinical application of pain metaphors.
• Develop a clinical understanding of the factors associated with success and failure of pain neuroscience education.
• Be updated on behavioral change concepts including stages of change, addiction, motivational interviewing and green flags.
• Problem solve and develop pain science solutions to various psychosocial risk factors preventing recovery.
• Apply all treatments, principles and techniques into clinical practice.

Speaker

Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD, CSMT
CEO, International Spine & Pain Institute 

Dr. Louw, co-founder and CEO of ISPI, earned both an undergraduate as well as a master’s degree in research and spinal surgery rehabilitation from the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa. He is a guest lecturer/adjunct faculty at Rockhurst University, St. Ambrose University and the University of Las Vegas Nevada. In addition, he maintains a clinical practice and is co-owner of The Ortho Spine and Pain Clinic in Story City, Iowa. Adriaan has been teaching postgraduate, spinal manual therapy and pain science classes throughout the US and internationally for 15 years. He is a Certified Spinal Manual Therapist through ISPI. In addition, Adriaan has presented at numerous national and international manual therapy, pain science and medical conferences and has authored and co-authored articles, books and book chapters related to spinal disorders and pain science. Recently, Dr. Louw completed his Ph.D. which centers on therapeutic neuroscience education and spinal disorders.

Relevant to the content of this CME activity, Dr. Louw indicated he is a publisher and receives royalties from OPTP (fitness equipment manufacturer). 

Appropriate Dress

Participants are asked to bring appropriate attire for lab sessions (i.e. shorts and t-shirts and sports bras for women) and air-conditioned environments throughout the day (i.e. warm-up or work-out clothes).

Questions

International Spine and Pain Institute
PO Box 232
Story City, IA 50248
866-235-4289
[email protected]