LIVE from the Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans, Lousiana, Matthew Villegas organized a Q & A with Dr. Karen Litzy and Dr. Sandy Hilton about pain science. Dr. Litzy is currently the owner of Karen Litzy Physical Therapy, PLLC, a concierge physical therapy practice in New York City, where she sees clients in their home, gym or office and she is the host of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast. Dr. Sandy Hilton is a physical therapist and her clinical interest is chronic pain with a particular interest in complex pelvic pain disorders for men and women. Sandy is the co-host of Pain Science and Sensibility, a podcast on the application of research into the clinic.

In this episode, we discuss:

-How does psychology and culture impact someone's pain experience

-Managing expectations and celebrating small wins with patients with CRPS

-Self care tips to prevent empathy burnout in physical therapy

-Interprofessional collaboration to best manage persistent pain patients

-And so much more!

Explaining pain needs to be part of a graded education program just like any exercise program as Sandy reminds, "Everyone learns differently and pain is a uniquely individual experience."

Every small success should be celebrated and Sandy encourages patients to, "Claim those victories because when you can start doing that¸ you can start building on them."

Patients with persistent pain would benefit from assurance and motivation as Karen stresses, "If you can be the person for that patient to listen to them, to offer good solid advice, help them take control over their life versus the pain controlling their life, and being able to really get them to understand that they are not fragile and they're not broken and they're not damaged goods, that'll go a long way of getting them better without putting your hands on them or loading a tissue."

Sandy believes the role of the physical therapist is, "Un-scaring someone and giving them a path to follow and sign marks along the way to be able to recognize that they are getting better and being there to walk it through with them."

For more information on Karen:

Dr. Litzy is currently the owner of Karen Litzy Physical Therapy, PLLC, a concierge physical therapy practice in New York City, where she sees clients in their home, gym or office. Aside from physical therapy clients she also sees clients for wellness training, surgical packages and golf fitness evaluations. She is on the board of directors for the non-profit Physical Therapy Business Alliance and part of the PT Day of Service team. Dr. Litzy consults with physical therapy colleagues on how to start and maintain a successful out of network physical therapy practice. http://karenlitzy.com/

For more information on Sandy:

Sandy graduated from Pacific University (Oregon) in 1988 with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Des Moines University in December 2013. She has worked in multiple settings across the US with neurologic and orthopaedic emphasis combining these with a focus in pelvic rehabilitation for pain and dysfunction since 1995. Sandy teaches Health Professionals and Community Education classes on returning to function following back and pelvic pain, has assisted with Myofascial Release education, and co-teaches Advanced Level Male Pelvic Floor Evaluation and Treatment. Sandy's clinical interest is chronic pain with a particular interest in complex pelvic pain disorders for men and women. Sandy is the co-host of Pain Science and Sensibility, a podcast on the application of research into the clinic.

For more information on Matthew:

My name is Matthew Villegas. I host Capable Body Podcast (available on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher), which aims to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and real people with real stories. Also, the podcast features an active Facebook community that is a safe space where I share more means to connect with my guests as well as some behind-the-scenes extras.

Resources discussed on this show:

Matthew Villegas Website

Matthew Villegas Twitter

Sandy Hilton Twitter

Karen Litzy Twitter

World Congress on Pain

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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!

Xo Karen