HLTMSG016 - Apply principles of pain neuroscience

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment tasks will be designed to reinforce & extend knowledge and skill competence within set & controlled parameters in accordance with each units learning outcomes & performance criteria requirements, including the setting of work based practical application tasks designed to provide evidence of competence outcomes, within periodic and scheduled timelines.

Students will be expected to demonstrate the following required skills:

• apply the principles of pain neuroscience involving:

• conducting research of credible sources of information to update own knowledge of one recent neuroscience development
• consulting with three clients to develop a documented treatment plan to meet their needs including their pain presentation
• reflect on own practice after completing each of the three client consultations above.

Students will also be expected to demonstrate the following knowledge:

• anatomy and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous system applicable to health care assessment and treatment:

• key structures:

  cerebrum
  cerebellum
  midbrain
  brainstem
  spinal cord
  spinal synapses and lamina

• key functions
• monitoring and feedback mechanisms
• how the anatomy and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous system relates to touch

• phases of sensory processing as related to pain:

• transduction
• transmission
• modulation
• perception

• how people experience pain
• how chronic pain is developed
• how acute pain is developed
• biopsychosocial approach to pain:

• biological:

  gender
  physical health
  genetic predisposition
  immune function
  effects of medication

• psychological:

  behaviours
  emotions
  attitudes and beliefs
  level of stress and ability to cope
  mental health

• social:

  family relationships
  socio-economic factors
  cultural factors

• basic neurological assessment:

• dermatome
• myotome
• reflexes

• how a biopsychosocial understanding of pain can be applied to clinical practice
• modulation of pain:

• placebo and nocebo and their effect on pain

• role of descending inhibition in relief of pain
• signs and symptoms of sensitisation:

• peripheral
• central
• effect on chronic pain

• types of pain:

• nociceptive
• neuropathic
• nociplastic

• principles of a client-centred approach:

• empathy
• non-judgemental attitude

• referral options for therapists:

• allied health service and other health modalities
• medical practitioner
• support service
• types, limitations and availability of further medical testing

• criteria for determining credible sources of information
• documentation requirements for recording treatment details using industry standard abbreviations
• techniques for self-reflection.