Chronic pain relief: How an occupational therapist can help
Over 7 million people experience chronic pain in Canada. That means 1 in 5 people experience some level of persistent chronic pain.
Occupational therapists (OTs) play a crucial role in helping you manage this often-debilitating condition. Chronic pain is a complex and deeply personal experience that affects every aspect of life, from physical function to mental well-being and social relationships. While medication and other pharmacological treatments can offer some relief, occupational therapy provides a holistic approach to pain management that empowers you to regain control over your life.
Understanding chronic pain and its impact
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months and extends beyond the expected period of healing. It can stem from a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, lower back issues, or migraines, and often has no single identifiable cause.
Unlike acute pain, which signals the body to protect itself, chronic pain persists without purpose, becoming a condition in itself. This ongoing discomfort can be debilitating and may lead to sleep disturbances, mood disorders, reduced mobility, and an overall diminished quality of life.
If you experience chronic pain, you may feel trapped in a cycle of frustration and isolation as you struggle to balance your daily activities and personal well-being.
This is where occupational therapy can make a significant impact. Unlike other medical interventions that may primarily focus on treating the symptoms of pain, your OT focuses on helping you manage your condition in practical and empowering ways.
They take into account your personal goals, habits, and routines, and help you build strategies to engage more fully in your life – even if chronic pain continues.
How occupational therapists approach chronic pain management
Occupational therapists use a multi-faceted approach to address chronic pain. Their aim is not simply to reduce pain but to help you live a meaningful life, achieve independence, and feel a sense of purpose.
Your OT may assist you in dealing with chronic pain by sharing:
Pain management education
One of the primary roles of your OT in chronic pain management is educating you about pain and its effects on your body and mind. Teaching you about the changes in your nervous system and simple strategies to rewire the sensitivity of your nerves can be incredibly empowering and hopeful when you feel like you have little control.
Understanding the relationship between physical pain, mental stress, and daily activities can help you develop a more compassionate approach toward yourself. OTs also teach skills for managing pain levels throughout the day, such as:
pacing activities
setting realistic goals
reprocessing/rewiring pain signals
listening to your body’s signals to avoid flare-ups
Customized activity modification
Chronic pain can make simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. Your OT will work with you to adapt these tasks to reduce strain on painful areas, helping you identify alternative methods or tools. For example, if you have arthritis and you struggle to open jars, your OT might introduce you to adaptive tools or teach you techniques to reduce hand strain. By breaking down tasks and modifying approaches, your OT empowers you to participate more fully in your routines without exacerbating pain.
Energy conservation and pacing techniques
People with chronic pain often experience fatigue, making energy management crucial. Your OT can teach you energy conservation techniques such as:
prioritizing essential tasks
breaking activities into smaller steps
incorporating rest breaks
For example, if you find that grocery shopping leaves you exhausted, your OT might help you divide the task over several trips or consider options for delivery. Through these strategies, you can avoid overexertion and reduce the chances of a pain flare-up. You can also build tolerances and capacity over time with graded exposure.
Mindfulness and relaxation practices
Stress and chronic pain often exacerbate one another. Your OT may incorporate mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation into therapy sessions to help you manage stress. These practices can reduce the body’s response to pain and build emotional resilience, which, in turn, can help lessen the overall experience of pain. Learning to focus on breathing, relaxation, and presence in the moment can help you become less reactive to pain and more in control of your response.
Adaptive equipment and ergonomics
OTs are skilled in recommending adaptive equipment and ergonomic changes to reduce physical strain. This might include:
specialized seating for better posture
cushions for support
tools designed to reduce repetitive strain.
By making small changes to your home or work environment, your OT helps you reduce pain and prevent further injury. They may also conduct ergonomic assessments, especially in work settings, to ensure that your desks, chairs, and computer setups are adjusted to minimize stress on your joints and muscles.
Mental and emotional support
Living with chronic pain can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression. Your OT can offer a compassionate space to discuss these feelings and help you identify coping mechanisms and self-compassion techniques. This might include encouraging self-reflection on personal strengths, reinforcing resilience, or connecting you with support groups or other resources. By addressing the emotional side of chronic pain, your OT supports you in maintaining mental wellness alongside your physical well-being.
Sleep optimization
Sleep is also often impacted by pain. Your OT can help by introducing you to techniques that help with getting a better night’s sleep, and review your bed set-up and sleep positions for ultimate comfort.
Long-term benefits of occupational therapy for chronic pain
The strategies that your OT provides are designed to support you in the long term. By learning skills for managing pain and navigating daily life, you will be able to achieve greater independence and confidence.
Research has shown that occupational therapy plans not only improve physical function but also boost emotional health and quality of life for individuals with chronic pain. For many, the most important outcome is the shift in perspective—from viewing pain as a barrier to seeing it as a condition they can live with and manage.
Occupational therapy offers a unique and holistic approach to chronic pain management
Through education, activity modification, mindfulness practices, ergonomic support, and emotional reinforcement, OTs empower you to reclaim your life. Rather than focusing solely on eliminating pain, occupational therapy helps you redefine your relationship with it, allowing you to pursue a fulfilling life, even amidst discomfort.
For anyone grappling with chronic pain, occupational therapy provides practical tools and renewed hope in the journey toward a better quality of life.
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) provides a searchable national directory of occupational therapists for all Canadians to find the occupational therapy services they need. You can search for an OT who can provide chronic pain management services.