• July 1, 2026 | 3:35 PM - 4:30 PM
• PCC,113ABC

Unmasking Chronic Pain: Recognition & Care Strategies for ATs

Chronic pain conditions impact nearly one-quarter of the U.S. population, across all age and activity levels. ATs practicing in all settings should be educated on recognition of non-orthopedic chronic pain conditions, as they commonly share symptoms with orthopedic conditions. Effective patient care of these conditions begins with early diagnosis and treatment. We will explore signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, and the potential for diagnostic testing, and referral and/or creating initial care plans for these chronic pain conditions, including at least: fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, chronic migraine, osteoarthritis, Positional Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome- myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Learning Objectives - Compare signs, symptoms, and comprehend medical testing results supporting each of the diagnoses.
- Explain the relationships between common overlapping chronic pain conditions.
- Create referral and/or basic management plans to aid the patient before, during, and after diagnosis.
- Consider relationships between exercise/physical activity and pain management.

Keywords: Chronic pain conditions, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome