About the Course

Chronic pain management is a major and growing challenge for patients, healthcare professionals and the global healthcare system. Pain science can be quite disheartening as a topic – as there are no magic bullets or quick fixes in treating chronic pain. This can make engaging with this condition difficult, with the result that occupational therapists might choose to avoid exploring this area. Of all the approaches used in the treatment of chronic pain, occupational therapy shows some of the most promising results but remains relatively unknown to the public and other healthcare practitioners.

This course aims to introduce pain science and unveil the role of occupational therapy in chronic pain care. The goal is to take the science and help occupational therapists translate it into tangible, clinical concepts and tools. It is suitable for new or experienced therapists wishing to gain a broader understanding in this area. We will be reviewing the most recent and relevant approaches and technologies for the care and management of chronic pain.

Topics to be covered include:

• Pain Science Made Simple
  Learn about the basics of pain science, and the interrelationship between physiological, psychosocial, environmental and occupational processes in pain perception. Keep up-to-date with the latest findings in pain neuroscience research. We promise to keep it engaging and not drown you in a sea of scientific jargon.
• Pain Evaluation in Occupational Therapy Practice
  Gain an overview of how to assess people with acute and chronic pain, and using assessment findings guide diagnostic, rehabilitation and occupation-based care plans.

Evidence-based Interventions for Clinical Pain Conditions
Explore the different approaches to address chronic pain, current available evidence on their efficacy and relevance in various occupational therapy settings. Discover how occupational therapists can implement effective interventions such as therapeutic neuroscience education, psychological approaches, functional rehabilitation, and practical strategies at home and in the community.

• Future Directions
  We will explore the emergence of immersive healthcare technologies such as VIRTUAL REALITY, and how they are being used today in pain care. Get the latest scoop on the research in these areas and how they are relevant to occupational therapy.

This workshop will be delivered in a casual manner (to make it as pain free as possible), peppered with recovery stories and engaging discussions. You will leave with a better foundational knowledge and understanding in this emerging area of practice for occupational therapists.

Google 3D glasses will be provided for attendees to use and take home.

About the Presenter

Ian Cheok is a senior occupational therapist at Lifeworks Occupational Therapy. He completed his Occupational Therapy training at Curtin University, receiving the Head of the School Award and Outstanding Mentor Award. Additionally, he has received training in chronic pain management from McGill University and The Neuro Orthopaedic Institute. Prior to his role in occupational therapy, Ian had graduated from the University of Western Australia with a degree in Computer Science, and had worked for 15+ years in the areas of user experience design and software engineering. He brings a unique blend of clinical and technology skills to his clinical practice.

At LifeWorks, Ian’s primary areas of focus include chronic pain care, mental health recovery and neurorehabilitation. He also has a deep interest in immersive and assistive technologies in healthcare. He has worked with numerous community-based organisations and private practices to deliver occupational therapy services and implement healthcare technology projects. Ian has also been involved as a Clinical Supervisor to 4th year Honours OT students from Curtin University and Edith Cowan University.

If you prefer booking offline, you can use the registration form below.

*PD Registration Form 2019