Pain neuroscience education. Presented by Adrian Ram AEP
Translating pain science into effective education.
We are aware of the multifaceted and interrelated factors that contribute to persisting pain. It makes sense then, that our client education should reflect this. Adrian Ram AEP brings our foundational understanding of pain science to life with a framework for key concepts, helpful language and practical tools for offering pain neuroscience education (PNE) in your clinic.
Pain neuroscience education in combination with exercise is more effective than exercise alone in reducing pain, disability, kinesiophobia, and catastrophizing. (1)
This is fair motivation to incorporate PNE into exercise prescription for individuals with persisting pain; and there is a rich opportunity for PNE to be utilised more. Evidence indicates that only 1 in 5 AEPs include specific PNE education (2); and that within that group the majority of concepts were addressed less than 50% of the time (3). PNE can act as the architecture of our interactions, helpfully guiding us whilst allowing the client to keep their spot in the driver’s seat.
We get a glimpse at 9 Key Pain Education Concepts, and also 4 Essential Pain Facts, which have an obvious translation to our clinical practice. And if you’re up for a little fun, an off-the cuff roleplay brings it all together.
It’s likely you’ll leave feeling compelled to dig deeper into your understanding of pain science, water-testing your knowledge to weave it into your education. Indeed, this is Adrian’s recommendation; alongside reflecting on clinical interactions and building a toolbox of educational resources.
Adrian Ram is the principal exercise physiologist at Rehwork Rehabilitation and Consultancy in Wollongong where he specialises in musculoskeletal rehab. He holds advanced skills in therapeutic neuroscience education and is a current PhD candidate with the University of New South Wales. Adrian has published nine peer-reviewed publications and his current research focus is understanding AEP’s practice in managing and treating knee osteoarthritis, in particular the role of exercise and education.
(1) Siddall, B., Ram, A., Jones, M. D., Booth, J., Perriman, D., & Summers, S. J. (2021). Short-term impact of combining pain neuroscience education with exercise for chronic musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain, 163(1).
(2) Ram, A., Booth, J., Thom, J., & Jones, M. D. (2020). Exercise and education for knee osteoarthritis—what are accredited exercise physiologists providing? Musculoskeletal Care, 18(4), 425-433.
(3) Ram, A., Booth, J., Thom, J. M., & Jones, M. D. (2022). Exercise physiologists use of pain neuroscience education for treating knee osteoarthritis: A qualitative interview study. Musculoskeletal Care, 20(4), 821-830