Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

A multi-disciplinary approach is recommended for pain management. As a part of your child’s medical team, an occupational therapist and/or physical therapy will provide an evaluation to guide individualized skilled treatment recommendations that take into consideration biomechanics, the musculoskeletal and sensory systems, and cognitive abilities into order to best support your child’s pain and their quality of life.

When an infant, child or adolescent experiences pain, it can negatively impact the way they interact with others or live their daily lives.  Pain can impact daily “occupations” such as sleeping, getting dressed, eating, playing, socializing, and participating in school. An occupational therapist can help support these goals and tasks. This pain can also affect their ability to move in order to complete these occupations, potentially impacting ambulation, stair navigation, balance, movement in/out of bed, and posture. A physical therapist can assist with the movement to complete these goals as well.

Ask your medical team about meeting with an occupational therapist and/or physical therapist if you feel any of these treatment options can help support your child’s non-pharmacological pain management:

• Stress reduction/Coping strategies (i.e., relaxation techniques, mindfulness) – (OT)
• Engagement in meaningful activities (i.e., play, hobbies, self-care) – (OT)
• Independence with ADLS (Activities of Daily Living) – (OT)
• Sleep hygiene – (OT)
• Ambulation – (PT)
• Gross motor activities through developmental play – (PT)
• Environmental modifications – (OT/PT)
• Positive sensory experiences – (OT/PT)
• Touch therapy and massage – (OT/PT)
• Positioning strategies – (PT/OT)
• Family education – (PT/OT)
• Therapeutic Exercise involving range of motion, stretching, and strengthening – (PT/OT)