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 workshop aims to introduce pain science and unveil the role of occupational therapy in chronic pain rehabilitation. 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 basic neuroscience of pain, and the interrelationship between physiological, psychological, environmental and occupational processes in pain perception. 

Pain Assessment in Occupational Therapy Practice Gain an overview of how to assess patients with pain (acute and chronic), and using assessment findings guide diagnostic, rehabilitation and occupation-related care plans 

Interventions for Common Clinical Pain Syndromes Explore the different approaches to treat chronic pain, current available evidence on their efficacy and relevance in various occupational therapy settings. Discover how occupational therapists can implement effective interventions through therapeutic neuroscience education, psychological approaches, functional rehabilitation, soft tissue therapy and assistive technology. 

This workshop will be delivered in a casual manner with inspiring recovery stories and short gentle yoga breaks (to make your experience as pain free as possible). You will leave with a better foundational knowledge and understanding in this emerging area of practice for occupational therapists. 

About the Presenter.

Ian Cheok is a senior occupational therapist at LifeWorks Occupational Therapy and TADWA, where he focuses on chronic pain care, mental health, and the use of immersive technologies such as virtual reality in clinical practice.

Ian graduated from Curtin University with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree, receiving the Head of the School Award and Outstanding Mentor Award.  Additionally, he has received training from The Neuro Orthopaedic Institute, and is currently completing his postgraduate studies in chronic pain management with McGill University.

Prior to his role in occupational therapy, Ian was a Computer Science graduate from the University of Western Australia, and had worked for 15+ years in the areas of user experience design and software engineering.