Interdisciplinary Functional Restoration and Pain Programs

Abstract

(from the chapter) The major purpose of the present chapter is to provide a review of the currently most therapeutically effective method for managing chronic pain-functional restoration (FR). Before doing so, a brief overview of the rehabilitation process will be provided. Indeed, throughout history, the treatment of chronic pain conditions has been difficult, time consuming, expensive, and, all too often, unsuccessful. Many modes of treatment, both invasive and noninvasive methods, have been used by the health-care profession in an attempt to eliminate pain and return these patients to a productive, fulfilling life. All too frequently, though, these attempts resulted in failure. Recently, however, an interdisciplinary FR approach to pain management has been empirically shown to be therapeutically and cost-effective. As will be discussed, the FR approach is based on a fundamental understanding of the individual's unique condition as it relates to impairment, disability, and functional limitation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)