This BJSM podcast by leading clinical professors; Kay Crossley and Peter O’Sullivan, focusses on the patient with long standing pain. This podcast explains the importance of the terminology used by clinicians and the assessment and management of a patient with long term pain.

Pain can create fears among patients and consequently, avoidance behaviour. The stigma patients associate with musculoskeletal disorders such as a prolapsed disc is exacerbated by the terminology used by professionals and can alter the way they view their pain. This podcast demonstrates the importance of words on patient’s perception of their condition which can have a huge impact on daily functioning and every day activities.

When assessing a patient in pain, one of the most important elements is the psychosocial factors which can contribute to a patient’s pain. Pain can create distress, fear, avoidance and anxiety and looking at how a patient can overcome this in order to be able to perform everyday activities is crucial. Objective measurements involve understanding fearful behaviours and modifying them, so the patient can perform them pain free.

When managing a patient with long standing pain, this podcast describes the importance of goal setting which is patient focused and using this to help create your management plan. Further to this, the importance of encouraging movement, natural healing, increasing load, strength and reducing weight are discussed.

This is an excellent podcast which demonstrates the important role a Sport Rehabilitator will have on the views and behaviours of a patient with long standing pain.

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