Non-pharmacological Approaches to Chronic Pain Management

Abstract

Before the advent of modern medical practices and interventions for pain control, pain was most frequently managed with an integrative approach using several modalities such as acupuncture, physical therapy, mindfulness, yoga, group therapy and Tai Chi/Qigong among others. These interventions helped to control pain and restore function through a non-pharmacological approach. Many of the modern practices of pain control such as trigger point injections are based on these traditional approaches. In an effort to fully provide an integrative approach to pain care, the modern practitioner should have a working knowledge of these alternative interventions.