American Occupational Therapy Association. Role of Occupational Therapy in Pain Management

Pediatric Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Occupational Therapy Intervention: A Scoping Review

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an increasingly recognized pain condition in the pediatric population. Occupational therapy (OT) is a crucial component of a multidisciplinary approach to treating pediatric CRPS. Yet, there is limited evidence detailing these OT interventions. This review aimed to explore the existing literature on OT interventions and delivery methods for pediatric CRPS. We performed a scoping review of peer-reviewed articles that included pediatric participants with CRPS with no limitation on publication date. Most of the 11 included studies described OT interventions that addressed pain, functional disability, motor and sensory function, social participation, and psychological well-being. Interventions included sensory reeducation programs, exercises, functional use of affected extremities, psychoeducation, and client and family education. To facilitate engagement in meaningful occupations, OT practitioners treating pediatric CRPS should provide evidence-based interventions and age-appropriate client education and include caregivers in the care plan.

Examining the Impact of Far-Infrared Technology on Quality of Life in Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of far-infrared (FIR) heat on quality of life (QOL) in older adults. Participants were assigned to either a convective heat group (CON) or a convective and FIR group. Participants received six, 30-min heat sessions over the course of three weeks. Pre- and post-assessments included physical measures such as range of motion, gait speed, Timed Up and Go, and hand grip strength. Standardized questionnaires were used to determine pain severity and its interference with daily life, and the impact pain had on overall QOL. Pain severity was significantly reduced (from 3.31 to 2.5, p < .05) in the FIR group from pre-to-post, and pain interference was significantly reduced (from 1.26 to 0.43, p < .05) in the CON group from pre-to-post testing. Findings suggest that heat therapy was successful in reducing pain over time.

The Experience of Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Background. Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain is common and can impact quality of life. Purpose. To synthesize existing qualitative research on people's experiences of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain in pregnancy and during the postpartum period. Method. A keyword search of four electronic databases between 2000 and 2022 was completed. Included studies were appraised and synthesized using a meta-ethnographic approach. Findings. Twenty-three studies were included. Analysis identified four core themes: (1) uncertainties about pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain, (2) struggles to attain achieve treatment and pain management, (3) profound activity consequences, and (4) emotional wellbeing, relationship, and identity impacts of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain. Implications. The occupational therapy role with this population has not to our knowledge yet been described. Given the centrality of occupational disruption to the experience of this population we argue that developing and evaluating occupational therapy interventions to address functional, work, parenting and wellbeing outcomes for this population is warranted and should be prioritized.

Occupational Therapists' Beliefs and Experiences Managing Chronic Pain, Wellness, and Occupational Performance

Chronic disease prevention, health, and wellness have become primary practice areas for occupational therapy. Occupational therapists (OTs) in pain rehabilitation are established as essential members of comprehensive and multidisciplinary pain management teams, focusing on increasing occupational performance through participation. This study's purpose was to investigate OTs' experiences managing chronic pain and to explore OTs' effectiveness in supporting clients' wellness and occupational performance through interventions. Eleven OTs (n = 11) participated with three themes emerging on chronic pain, interventions, and holistic teams. Findings suggest that OTs are successful at treating chronic pain, supporting wellness and occupational performance when their interventions are health-promoting, and clients are enabled to take an active role in their chronic pain management. This study demonstrates the critical impact OTs can have in multidisciplinary teams on clients' outcomes, such as increased occupational performance, wellness, and quality of life (QOL) through engagement in meaningful occupations.

Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Health in Occupational Therapy

This AOTA Position Statement describes the use of complementary and integrative health approaches in occupational therapy practice and presents ethical and pragmatic matters, including diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural humility, continuing competence, standards of practice, and supporting evidence.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions to Address Pain for Adults Living With and Beyond Cancer (2018-2022)

Systematic review briefs provide a summary of the findings from systematic reviews evaluated in conjunction with the American Occupational Therapy Association's Evidence-Based Practice Program. Each systematic review brief summarizes the evidence on a theme related to a systematic review topic. This systematic review brief presents findings related to pain for adults living with and beyond cancer, specifically those on mindfulness-based interventions.