Course Description:

Approximately 20% of American adults experience pain daily. In response to increasing prevalence, the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (AOPT) supports advances in modern pain management. Likewise, the National Institutes of Health Federal Pain Research Strategy (FRPS) prioritizes advancements and implementation of research addressing the public health crisis and individual burden of pain. This session introduces participants to PRISM: Pain Recovery and Integrative Systems Model. Although the biopsychosocial (BPS) model is currently the most commonly used approach to understanding the multidimensional nature of pain, it originated outside the physical therapy (PT) profession almost 50 years ago and now faces both conceptual and pragmatic criticism, including over or under-emphasis of physiological, psychological, and/or social factors pertaining to the pain experience. In contrast, PRISM is a whole-person health model specifically designed for physical therapist practice and education. Rather than focusing on pathology or impairments, PRISM promotes health, resilience, and personal growth to facilitate pain recovery, providing a framework for PT clinical decision-making. Participants will leave this session with an understanding of PRISM's foundational theories, applications, and alignment with national (NIH Heal Initiative) and international (International Association for the Study of Pain) research and educational initiatives advancing our understanding and management of pain.