THE SYSTEMS LIMITATION APPROACH TO PAIN (S.L.A.P.)
Introducing a unique approach to pain management.
Experience
Cathy is a Physical Therapist and Consultant of 30+ years, specializing in chronic pain management and cost reduction.
Expertise
She helps people learn how through a physical therapist’s active listening and deep understanding of the body’s mechanics it is possible to identify “what’s been missing.”
Cathy’s Focus
EVALUATION
1. Note positions that increase pain
The patients track each pain and symptom they have and bring that information to the evaluation with Cathy. From that information, Cathy notes the positions/activities that they are in when each pain increases. Her initial focus is on whether they are bent (sitting, reaching down etc) or straight (standing, walking etc) when the pain increases. (See Pain Tracking Form)
2. Take measurements
Take measurements to find out if there are limitations in the range of motion needed to do the
activities/positions that increase the pain. (Measurements are demonstrated in the PT Measurements Video)
3. Compare steps 1 & 2
Compare steps 1 and 2 to determine if the back pain could be the result of force placed on the back
because of a lack of range of motion that is needed to do the activities/positions that increase the pain.
TREATMENT
1. Patient Education
Educate the patient about the findings in the evaluation, particularly how the loss of range of motion specifically places force on the back during the activities/positions that increase the pain..
2. Develop monitors - What they are
A monitor is a measurable description of the pain, related to positions or activities. Monitors provide a measurable baseline upon which most program decisions are made (page 82 in the book Rescue Your Back).
3. Develop Monitors - Why
Monitors help the patient and PT gain control, first, by realizing the positions/activities that elicit each pain. Then by tracking how they can change the intensity of pain with (1) positioning and (2) exercises aimed at improving the range of motion needed for those painful positions/activities. Monitors help in many ways to improve the patient’s control over the pain and to guide program development.
“When I realized the significance of the information that pain provides and the relationship to specific loss of mechanics and specific position/activity that is painful, I felt compelled to get this information out in a manner that is helpful. This can help.”
– Cathy Mahon, PT, MS
Introduction to S.L.A.P.
These 6 video’s familiarize you with SLAP through brief demonstrations of key parts.
Get The Help & Resources You Need
Impact your knowledge of chronic pain in order to help improve pain management and lower the collective costs of chronic pain for your group, your patients, yourself.
“I want to help the millions of people behind the alarming chronic pain statistics. I’ve witnessed the horrible effects of chronic pain on a daily basis with my patients.”
– Cathy Mahon, PT, MS
38%
of people worldwide
are estimated to be affected by low back pain each year.
2014 NIH Task Force
3rd most burdensome condition:
Low back pain
in the US, in 2010, in terms of mortality or poor health. Third only to ischemic heart disease and COPD.
NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Low Back Pain Fact Sheet
$635 billion
100 million adults in the US
are the estimated numbers for cost and people affected by chronic pain annually.
2014 NIH Task Force
