Faculty: Nancy Marquez, DPT

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will review common conditions that cause pain which are typically classified as being acute versus chronic in nature. We will explore the complexity of chronic pain and how an acute pain condition can develop into a chronic one. Current procedures and medications that are used to treat pain will be discussed. Both quantitative and qualitative measures of pain will be explored. We will use an assessment of these measurements to set and achieve goals as well as adjust the treatment plan on a daily basis. Environmental factors of the aquatic environment such as temperature, depth, and patient and practitioner body positioning will be used to identify ways to decrease pain. Aquatic therapy techniques to decrease pain will also be used to help the patient or client achieve goals more effectively.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. Identify conditions that are typically classified as acute vs. chronic pain.

2. Assess the complexity of chronic pain and how acute pain can develop into chronic.

3. Examine current procedures and medications being used to treat pain.

4. Explore the use of both quantitative and qualitative measures of pain and how assessing these on a daily basis can be used to adjust treatment and set/achieve goals.

5. Determine how changes in pain should guide the treatment plan for the best patient outcome.

6. Identify environmental factors of the aquatic environment, which can affect pain.

7. Develop aquatic techniques to decrease pain so the patient can achieve goals more effectively.

FACULTY: Nancy Marquez, DPT, has a strong foundation in aquatics, swimming competitively from childhood through college at Michigan State University. She has also competed as a triathlete. She received the Student Research and Academic Merit Awards from the University of Miami. Nancy previously worked as a lifeguard, WSI, and swim coach. Her special interests include chronic pain.