Psychosocial factors are a strong predictor for the development of chronic pain and pose barriers for return to work. How these are identified and addressed in physical therapy are the topic of the webinar, “Psychosocial Barriers of Returning to Work,” Tuesday, October 19 at 1 pm EDT.

“Biopsychosocial factors have been associated with actual physical changes in the brain and nervous system that increase pain sensitivity and severity,” said Anne Marciniak, PT, DPT, the Team Lead of Clinical Services for MedRisk, who will present the webinar along with Katie McBee, PT, DPT, OCS, MS, CEAS, who is the Director of Workers’ Compensation and Pain Management Initiatives of Phoenix Rehab.

Overview of Biopsychosocial Treatment Model

The hour-long presentation gives an overview of the biopsychosocial treatment model, which involves interaction among biological, psychological and sociocultural factors. Presenters discuss the use of a validated measure that identifies the presence of psychosocial risk factors and assigns a level of risk of poor outcomes.

In addition, it discusses the concept of a psychologically informed physical therapy practice, in which the therapist becomes a coach for self-management and behavior modification. This practice is designed to prevent functional limitations associated with pain.

MedRiskPhoenix Rehab and DentalWorks USA are sponsoring the free, 1-hour webinar, and continuing education credits are available for adjusters, registered nurses and nurse case managers in several states.

[Source(s): MedRisk, Business Wire]