Pain Science

Pain is one of the most common clinical presentations in health care across a multitude of conditions. However, the client experience of pain varies greatly and is influenced by a range of biological and psychosocial (biopsychosocial) determinants. Working with clients in pain therefore requires practitioners to be adaptive critical thinkers able to navigate complex and unique client circumstances. This unit establishes a foundational understanding of biological determinants of pain, physiological processes underpinning pain, and the theoretical models of pain. To evaluate the complex psychosocial components influencing pain experiences, students will explore approaches to psychologically informed practice, including cognitive behaviour therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. Students will be assessed on their understanding of the theory underpinning pain as well as their ability to navigate the challenges and variability among clients presenting with pain.