INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PAIN MANAGEMENT
SPONSORED CONTENT
Integrative Pain Medicine:
A Holistic Approach to Care
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain in children can be difficult to diagnose. Many times, parents
and doctors attribute symptoms to “growing pains” or they think the pain is
not real. But not only is pediatric chronic pain “real,” it can be excruciating and
limit, or even stop, a child’s normal activities.
What are the causes of chronic pain?
Chronic pain has a number of diagnoses and causes:
• Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy (RND)
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)
• Pediatric Fibromyalgia
• Concussions
• Chronic Headaches/Migraines
• Pediatric Arthritis/Joint Pain
• Functional Abdominal Pain
What is integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine brings together conventional and complementary
approaches to care in a coordinated way. This approach puts the patient at the
center of care, addressing the full range of physical, emotional, mental, social,
spiritual and environmental influences that affect a person’s health.
The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh’s Pain & Integrative Medicine Program,
the first of its kind, serves kids of all ages with chronic pain, including those
families who are exploring treatments outside the typical medical model of
care.
How can integrative medicine help treat chronic pain?
At the Children’s Institute, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation by
a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician. From there, care plans are
individualized, family-centered and focus on a child’s wellness — mind, body
and spirit.
Treatments typically include physical, occupational and behavioral
therapies. Complementary practices that may be added to enhance these
treatments include:
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) - Moving muscles and joints
by stretching, gentle pressure and resistance
• Craniosacral Therapy - Manipulating the joints of the head, spine and
pelvis to affect the pressure and circulation of fluid surrounding the brain
and spinal cord
• Myofascial Release - Applying gentle pressure to specific connective
tissues (fascia) to relax tight muscles, improve blood flow and increase
flexibility
Other approaches that may be included are:
• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Dry-needling/Trigger point injections • Guided imagery/Relaxation
• Massage/Reiki/Therapeutic touch
• Nutrition/Supplements
• Parent/Child education
• Yoga therapy
Who is involved in treatment?
At the Children’s Institute, our multidisciplinary team works to reduce the
need for invasive procedures and prescription medications. Led by a physician,
the team may include:
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Pain Psychologist/Behavioral Therapist • Recreational Therapist
• Music Therapist
• Educational Support
• Dietitian
• Acupuncturist
• Massage Therapist
What are the goals of treatment?
The Pain Rehabilitation team establishes individual goals for each child,
which may include:
• Returning functionality to affected area • Returning to regular activities
• Increasing strength, endurance and agility • Decreasing sensitivity to touch
• Using skills to manage pain and stress
Ultimately, the goal is long-term self-management of chronic pain to
achieve an independent lifestyle.
How do I get started?
To learn more, contact The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. As the only
CARF-accredited freestanding pediatric specialty rehabilitation hospital
in the region, and one of only five in the nation, we are the region’s most
comprehensive provider of care to children with special and orthopedic
needs.
To make an appointment or referral, please call us at 412.420.2561.
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