At the moment, there is a little controversy going on in my head.  Post this or don't post this.  Say what I think or just report the information.

Sometimes, I believe when it comes to pain, we try most anything because we know the person in front of us is in pain.  There is some research that indicates we have a reaction in our own brains when we see someone in pain.

What are our feelings about the role of electrical stimulation for pain control?  Back in the day, it was the cat's pajamas because of the gate control theory of pain.  Reality is, the gate control theory for pain is old news and has been replaced by a neuromatrix theory.  Most recently, the American Academy of Neurology published guidelines for the use of transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) for back pain.  The guidelines indicate TENS is not beneficial for chronic back pain yet might be helpful with diabetic neuropathy.  There will be  a session focusing on the use of electrical stimulation for pain control.  I'd be curious as to whether new evidence is emerging to support the use of TENS in light of the what I have read.  Airelle Hunter-Giordano, PT and Tara Manal, PT will be addressing this topic on February 18 from 12:30-2:15 pm.  Of course, I'm still highlighting what might be interesting sessions during the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Section Meeting.

While I'm on the topic of pain, another session focuses on pain and suggests educating the patient about pain by incorporating a pain science approach into the treatment for patients with whiplash.  Since I have seen the thoughts of one of the physical therapists, I will make a huge assumption here and assume the material found within the Explain Pain book written by David Butler, PT and Lorimer Mosely, PT will be incorporated into the session with practical application for the described patient.  Addressing psychosocial issues seems to enhance outcomes.  Okay, so that link shares a way to view the pdf, and okay, it isn't "research" but it does seem to provide applicability to how yellow flags can be addressed for people with low back pain.  Adriaan Louw, PT and "Louie" Puentedura, PT will be presenting on this topic on February 18 from 2:30-4:30 pm.

photo by Kate Tomlinson via Flickr

~Selena