University of Southern California
Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science
USC
Occupational Therapy > About Us > Faculty Practice > Pain management

Pain Management

Through a specialized pain management program at USC’s Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice, occupational therapists work with clients to:

  • Create an in-depth analysis of an individual’s daily activity to discover occupationally debilitating habits
  • Restructure their lifestyle to include healthy actions and routines
  • Explore and support vocational alternatives to assist people in making productive and constructive change
  • Assist in patient acclimation to become occupationally engaged with their environment through participation in meaningful activity
  • Reduce pain levels through diaphragmatic breathing, stress reduction and relaxation techniques
  • Educate them in the pain cycle to afford better control over their pain

Most importantly, our occupational therapists have a unique and profound understanding of the despair chronic pain can create. We understand that people who suffer from chronic pain often feel isolated, depressed, anxious and helpless. Our occupational therapists work diligently with each individual to assist him or her in creating a healthy, productive, and meaningful lifestyle.

Examples of benefits gained from pain management include:

  • Brian experienced a traumatic brain injury five years ago. Over the past year he began suffering severe migraines. His biggest obstacle was no longer being able to use a computer or read like he used to. This was very disconcerting for him as he relied heavily on the computer for both work and school. With occupational therapy, he was able to implement adaptive strategies and technology that helped him use the computer for longer periods of time.
  • Paula, a cancer patient, benefited from occupational therapy to help manage her pain. She also benefited from work simplification and energy conservation techniques to use while coping with the disease process.
  • Olivia lived with chronic pain. Occupational therapy activities helped her to concentrate on achievement rather than to focus on her pain. Her sense of control and self-esteem also increased.