Pain Assessment... Are you listening?

Pain is subjective (meaning that we can’t see it and assess, it is up to the patient to tell us, and it is highly personal). It comes with a myriad of other considerations, depending on the severity and chronicity.

Pain assessment needs time, consideration and compassion.

The pain conversation needs to be respected, and your patient needs to feel HEARD. Please give this conversation the time it deserves.

There is a specific set of questions that we can ask that can not only give us information about their pain (quality and severity) but can also help us track any changes…remembering that humans are very quick to ‘reset their new normal’ with pain.

We quickly forget how far we have come.

Its a beautiful moment when you are able to remind your patient of how they have reduced their pain in a number of weeks, or that they have not having episodes as frequently.

I’m passionate about holding space for those that are in pain, its a complicated situation that often involves other issues and comibitites, but physical an mental.

As mentioned, it requires our time, patience and compassion…and when you give that, you will be rewarded with a fantastic prac/patient rapport.

Are you ready to take your physical exam practice to the next level?

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