The most important task of the initial session with a client is the correct assessment of the pain problem presented. This means determining the exact cause of the pain, or to be more specific, what part of what tissue in the person's body is swollen, strained, sprained, torn, pinched, or injured. Without an accurate assessment of a pain problem, all treatment is a conjecture.

A detailed history, taken in a relaxed and unhurried manner, and a gently performed physical assessment of the body area(s) involved, are used to identify the precise cause of the client's pain. If this goal is not accomplished, no treatment is recommended or given, a referral is made and the client is not charged for the assessment session.

Effective Treatment of Chronic Pain

Matching the right treatment to the particular problem is crucial for the treatment to succeed. For instance, friction therapy is an effective treatment for tendinitis and ligament sprains but an inappropriate treatment for bursitis or bone misalignments; massage therapy is a good treatment for strained muscles but an ineffective one for a nerve impingement. Treatment recommendations may include: friction therapy, massage therapy, exercise therapy, nutritional therapy, aqua therapy, osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation, bee venom therapy, and injection therapy.

The best treatment usually involves several approaches done sequentially or, in certain cases, different approaches are received during the same time period. For example, if sprained ligaments are causing pain in the low back, a combination of friction therapy, massage therapy and therapeutic exercises would all be needed to break apart the adhesive scar tissue, increase the blood circulation, keep the tissue mobile and then strengthen the weakened tissue fibers. At other times, other approaches may be needed, such as manipulation of bones which are misaligned or injection of an injured soft tissue structure that lies too deep in the body to treat with hands-on therapy. Aqua therapy may be recommended if the necessary adjunctive exercise therapy cannot be performed without causing pain.

For more information about treatments with Dr. Benjamin, please visit www.benbenjamin.net

© copyright Ben Benjamin 2001