Pain Treatment Therapy Options
The Pain Services Clinic helps children, teens, and young adults (up to age 20) with complex or long-term pain conditions. Our goal is to help patients return to the activities that are important to them while learning ways to better manage pain.
We use a rehabilitation approach that focuses on improving physical, emotional and daily functioning while providing support and symptom management along the way.
Our treatment team includes physicians, psychologists, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, social workers, massage therapists and acupuncturists. We work together to create a treatment plan based on each child’s needs and goals and coordinate care with your child’s other health care providers.
Learn more about the treatments and our team.
Acupuncture is a gentle therapy that may help reduce pain, improve sleep, decrease anxiety, and support overall well-being.
Very thin, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body to stimulate nerves and help activate the body’s natural pain-relieving systems. Pediatric acupuncture is adapted for children, teens, and young adults. Non-needle options, such as acupressure, laser acupuncture, and ear seeds, may also be used.
Massage therapy may help reduce pain, relieve stress and anxiety, relax tight muscles, improve flexibility and promote a sense of well-being.
Services are provided by licensed massage therapists and may focus on the whole body or specific areas based on your child’s needs.
The medical team helps manage symptoms and supports your child’s overall treatment plan.
Medicines, vitamins, or supplements may be recommended when appropriate to help reduce symptoms and make it easier for your child to participate in daily activities and therapy. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on your child’s needs.
The Pediatric Pain Psychologist helps children, teens and families learn ways to cope with pain and the challenges that can come with it. Treatment may include relaxation techniques, guided imagery, distraction, meditation, stress management and biofeedback.
Biofeedback uses sensors to show how the body responds to stress and pain. It can help patients learn skills to relax the body and better manage symptoms.
Research shows that exercise is an important part of managing chronic pain. A physical therapist can help your child understand pain signals and learn ways to improve function through movement and exercise.
Treatment may include stretching, strengthening, core stabilization, aerobic exercise, pacing strategies and a home exercise program. The physical therapist will monitor your child’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Social workers are an important part of the treatment team. They help assess school-related needs and accommodations, provide education and support to caregivers, and help families develop strategies to support treatment at home.
They can also help families connect with resources and navigate challenges related to living with chronic pain.