Course Description:

Many patients being referred to therapy are taking prescription and/or over-the-counter medications for pain. Although many of these medications are directly related to their rehabilitation therapy diagnosis, some may not be. What do therapists need to know about clinical pharmacology to manage pain effectively? This course explores the critical aspects of pharmacological pain management including the principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics as well as how to apply these concepts to clinical situations. Specific concepts of pharmacology for pain within the Central Nervous System as well as pharmacology for pain within the peripheral system are addressed.

This course expounds on the effect of drug actions on the major body systems including the mechanisms of therapeutic and adverse drug effects, problems involving drug interaction, and variables that modify drugs’ effects. Case studies are provided which demonstrate the effects medications can have on the rehabilitation management of patients and clients.