Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Karrianna Iseminger
Abstract
Background: This scholarly project aims to provide education on self-management techniques for chronic upper extremity (UE) pain. There are currently limited resources that properly educate clients on self-management techniques for chronic (UE) pain. Nevertheless, there is a need for a chronic UE pain self-management program because chronic pain affects individuals’ performance of all their occupations and has the potential to lead to social limitations, a decline in work ability and productivity and a decrease in quality of life. Furthermore, it is currently the leading cause of disability worldwide. Occupational therapy practitioners who focus on the UE are known as hand therapists and play a role in addressing chronic upper extremity pain.
Project Description: Ten videos were created with a focus on viewing the individual holistically. They address interventions related to both mind and body. The videos use visual demonstration paired with verbal content to educate viewers on strategies they can use to help self-manage their chronic upper extremity pain.
Results: The intended results of the chronic UE pain self-management program is that it will provide a resource for those who may experience a barrier to accessing formal therapy sessions. It is also intended to decrease practitioners’ caseloads by providing education on ways clients can self-manage their pain on their own. Lastly, the program is intended to provide education on interventions that focus on the person holistically including mind and body.
Discussion: Occupational therapy practitioners have the knowledge and skill sets to address chronic upper extremity pain but given the prevalence of the condition and the barriers individuals may experience to formal therapy sessions, this program has the potential to be beneficial for both parties. The chronic upper extremity pain self-management program can ix positively impact an individual’s perceived pain levels and ultimately increase their occupational performance and overall quality of life
Recommended Citation
Athmann, Kaylee Mae, "Helping Hands: Self-Managing Chronic Upper Extremity Pain" (2024). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 647.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/647