Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- classify pain and explain the phenomenon of pain and the system of pain
- assess pain while considering the physiological and psychosocial dimension and the healing process of the tissue in their clinical decision-making
- utilize drug-free pain relief methods and know the principles of pharmacotherapy for pain
- use electrotherapy treatments appropriately and safely as well as assess the effectiveness of the treatment

Implementation and methods of teaching

Contact lessons online and on campus, online lectures and working independently and in groups. Exercises in contact classes and also individual and group assignments. The course utilizes flipped learning, where theory is studied independently and knowledge is applied and practiced in lessons.

You need the book Ammattilaisen kipukirja / Professional pain book. (Luomajoki 2020) for active use. The book is also available as an e-book at LAB-Primo.

The course begins with an advance assignment in Oppiportti and Moodle in week 39.

Timing and attendance

In practical classes 100% attendance is needeed. The course is closely related to the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Therapeutic Training (7 ECTS) course.

The practical demonstration test of electrotherapy is carried out in week 50.

Learning material and recommended literature

1. Luomajoki, H. 2020. Professional pain book. VK-Kustannus Oy. Also available as an e-book. in LAB-Primo

2. Tarnanen, S. & Holopainen, R. 2022. Exercise and musculoskeletal health. VK-Kustannus Oy. Also available as an e-book at LAB-Primo

3. Pain management online course of the Oppiportti database via LAB Primo

4. Study material in Moodle, current research articles

5. Kauranen, K. 2017 or 2021. Physiotherapist's handbook. 2017 edition: part 7, 2021 edition part 9: Physical treatments in the treatment of pain, Sanoma Pro

6. Pain Effective Treatment recommendation 2017 (online source)

7. Pain Management platform Terveyskylä (online source)


Additional literature:

1. Kalso, E. et al. 2018. Pain. Duodecim. Oppiportti database via LAB Primo

Exam retakes

The student passes the pain medication task in Moodle independently, supported by the assigned material.

The theory part is tested in EXAM, where the performance is also repeated according to the degree rules. If needeed the practical demonstration test of electrotherapy is agreed together with the student.

Learning environment

Network, therapy class, gym.

Student time use and work load

The student's total workload is 5 ECTS x 27 h = 135 h. (contact teaching online or on campus 50h and independent work 85h)

The study course includes an advance assignment, lectures and teaching discussions in Zoom, online lectures, mandatory practice lessons and assignments, a painkiller assignment in Moodle, the practical demonstration test of electrotherapy, and an individual theory exam in EXAM (115 minutes).

Contents

Pain phenomena, pain classification and mechanisms, pain system
Pain experience and biopsychosociality
Pain assessment methods
Consideration of pain experience and tissue damage in physiotherapy
Pain and therapeutic exercise
Neurodynamics in pain management
Utilization of drug-free pain management methods
Basics and safety factors of electrotherapy (TNS, IF).
Basics of medical treatment of pain

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Anatomy of the musculoskeletal system 5 ECTS, Assessment and manual therapy of soft tissues 5 ECTS

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student does not reach competence level 1 or does not participate in the exercises on the campuses.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

- The student recognises of the basics of the pain phenomenon.
- Under guidance, the student can classify pain and understand the pain system, but using them in the implementation of therapy requires guidance.
- The student understands the basics of biopsychosociality in the encounter and therapy of a person experiencing pain and knows how to use assessment methods that describe different areas.
- The student knows how to use the drug-free pain management methods of the course in a guided way, taking safety into account.
- The student recognises the basics of medical treatment of pain.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student recognises of the basic aspects of the pain phenomenon and their connections to the ability to function.
- The student knows how to use pain classification and the pain system in the planning and implementation of therapy with the help of clinical reasoning.
- The student understands biopsychosociality in the encounter and therapy of a person experiencing pain and knows how to use evaluation methods that describe different areas.
- The student knows how to use the study course's drug-free pain management methods sparingly, taking safety into account.
- The student knows the basics of medical treatment of pain.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

- The student's activity shows a holistic recognition of the pain phenomenon and its connection to functional ability.
- The student knows how to make extensive use of pain classification and the pain system in the planning and implementation of therapy with the help of clinical reasoning.
- The student has a comprehensive understanding of biopsychosociality in the encounter and therapy of a person experiencing pain and knows how to make good use of assessment methods that describe different areas.
- The student knows how to use the drug-free pain management methods of the study course in a high-quality way, taking into account safety and individuality.
- The student knows the basics of medical treatment of pain.