Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help, says Dr Brian Blick. While there are many different ways to treat pain, pain medicine experts agree that a multidisciplinary approach is often the most effective.
What is a multidisciplinary approach?
A multidisciplinary approach is an approach to care that involves a team of healthcare providers from different specialties working together to provide comprehensive care. Each patient will receive tailored care based on their particular needs, thanks to our team-based approach.
So, what does a multidisciplinary team look like?
A pain management team may include primary care physicians, psychiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and massage therapists, to name just a few. This wide range of disciplines allows the team to address not just the physical but also the psychological and social aspects of pain.
Ways they can contribute to relieving a patient’s pain
Primary Care Physicians
The first stop for many patients is their primary care physician. Primary care physicians are trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. They can also provide referrals to specialists if necessary. In addition, primary care physicians play an important role in providing education about pain management and developing individualized treatment plans..
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical Dr Brian Blick who specialize in mental health. They can provide medication to help relieve anxiety and depression, which are common comorbidities of chronic pain. Psychiatrists can also provide talk therapy to help patients cope with the psychological aspects of pain.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists provide treatments that aim to improve movement and function. These treatments can include exercises, massages, and electrical stimulation. Physical therapy can help relieve pain by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists focus on helping patients perform activities of daily living (ADLs). They can provide guidance on how to modify ADLs to reduce pain or adapt them so that they can be performed with less pain.
Conclusion:
A multidisciplinary approach to pain management involves a team of healthcare providers from different specialties working together to provide comprehensive care. This team-based approach ensures that each patient receives individualized care based on their unique needs. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of pain, this multidisciplinary approach can effectively relieve pain in a variety of patients.