As massage therapists know, pain, be it chronic, acute or temporary, brings many clients to the session room.
A recent study conducted by The National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 116 million adults suffer from some form of pain each year. NIH’s research shows that healthcare and economic costs for adult pain in the United States range between $560 billion and $635 billion annually.
As a result of these findings, NIH recommends that physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals educate themselves on teaching pain management to patients. The Institute also suggests that Medicare, Medicaid, workers’ compensation, and private health plans find ways to cover interdisciplinary pain care.
The American Pain Foundation (APF) is taking steps to raise pain awareness as well. APF is advocating better practices in pain management and support, and by sponsoring National Pain Awareness Month in September.
Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.org