Chronic Pain: An Interdisciplinary Approach to a Complex Problem

Chronic Pain: An Interdisciplinary Approach to a Complex ProblemDESCRIPTION An estimated 100 million Americans experience chronic pain, more than diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer combined. The total combined cost of direct medical care, disability programs, lost productivity and family burden is estimated to be between $560 billion and $635 billion annually (AAPM, 2015). In the midst of the opioid epidemic, there is a greater need now more than ever for evidence based, effective, non

DESCRIPTION
An estimated 100 million Americans experience chronic pain, more than diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer combined. The total combined cost of direct medical care, disability programs, lost productivity and family burden is estimated to be between $560 billion and $635 billion annually (AAPM, 2015). In the midst of the opioid epidemic, there is a greater need now more than ever for
evidence-based, effective, non-pharmacologic treatment approaches to this human, social and economic crisis. Interdisciplinary functional restoration programs provide the necessary components to address the biopsychosocial drivers of chronic pain. In this webinar, clinicians from Shirley Ryan Ability Lab’s Pain Management Clinic will discuss the roles of each individual member of their interdisciplinary team in providing patients with strategies for self-management of chronic or high-impact pain, while ultimately working together in a patient-centered approach to restoring function and reducing opioid consumption.

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe and differentiate active versus passive approaches to chronic
   pain management
2. Identify risk factors for chronic pain, and describe treatment approaches and/or prevention strategies to utilize in acute or subacute pain management to avoid the pathway to becoming a chronic problem.
3. Describe and differentiate functional restoration programs versus pain management clinics
4. Delineate the roles of pain psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, biofeedback and vocational rehabilitation within an interdisciplinary functional restoration program
5. Identify underlying research that drives an evidence-based functional
   restoration program
6. Determine when to refer patients to an interdisciplinary program for
   pain management

INSTRUCTORS
Elizabeth Gaffron, MOTR/L, LMT
Hannah Nilles, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT
Patricia Cole, PhD

AUDIENCE
Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Nurses

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will be present during the live webinar in its entirety and complete an attendance verification and feedback survey in the Academy Learning Portal within one month of the live air date. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Nursing

Physical Therapy 

This course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 1.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.5 Contact Hours on 2/6/2026.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

Occupational Therapy