OT Pain Management

[Jfink12345]

Hi:

Does anyone have techniques for pain management? I have a woman with severe arthritic pain in R shoulder. The doctors say it is the worst arthritis they have ever seen.

I give her massage (though I don't think massage is a reimbursable intervention, but it temporarily lessens the pain). I also am working on increasing her trunk muscles for better postural control to help take pressure off of overworked extensor muscles in the back.  She limits her activity level since movement exacerbates the pain (10/10), so she is getting weaker and her quality of life is very poor.

Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated! Oh, by the way, I work in home health. Also, does anyone use trigger point therapy?

Jean