A child’s nervous system is under constant construction which provides a great framework for neuroplasticity and rapid changes for healing. Discussion will provide a frame work of brain development and social maturation as it applies to presentation of pain, age-appropriate effective therapeutic communication and personal health authority. Employ a review of neural pathways of nociception with clear distinction that nociception is not the same as pain.  

Bring into consideration biopsychosocial aspects of pain which is magnified, in comparison to adult populations, due to the dependent nature of pediatric conditions that affect the entire family. Explore an array of non-pharmacological treatment techniques to maximize your therapeutic treatment capacity and effectiveness. We will also discuss some of the challenges we face demographically as well as promising avenues of direction in research for therapeutic advances.  

Communicating with a child, or an adult, about what they are experiencing mentally or physically and how to address those challenges can be difficult. Truth be told, it’s nobody’s fault, for generations we have not been taught how to connect with our body with empowerment through knowledge and how to communicate inter- and intra- personally. It’s time to break this cycle to awaken the inner physician in all of us. It is the goal of this lecture to give you the knowledge and tools for effective education communication to your patients and caregivers. This empowerment through education and understanding can help down regulate fear, distress and anxiety that often comes with the unknown expectations in therapy.