This two-day, on-site lab course is designed to enhance the participant’s knowledge and skill level in the evidence-based management of individuals with complex and/or chronic pain.  The prerequisite TPS program focuses heavily on pain neuroscience education (PNE). In line with current best evidence, we acknowledge that PNE is only one aspect of a potentially effective pain management program.  Various randomized clinical trials and recent systematic reviews on PNE have demonstrated the efficacy of “PNE Plus,” indicating PNE is best delivered clinically by combining it with other proven strategies in treating people with pain versus existing as a stand-alone treatment. In this weekend intensive, students will explore content areas related to interventions other than Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) for patients experiencing chronic and/or complex pain states. 

Fifty percent of the weekend intensive course builds on the content presented in the online pre-requisite course: PNEF 6410: Special Topics in Pain Neuroscience Education.  It includes clinical reasoning and hands-on skill development necessary to effectively integrate a variety of intervention techniques (therapeutic environment, emotional well-being, sleep hygiene, medication, goal setting, creativity, nutrition, mindfulness, breathing, movement therapies, manual therapy, and exercise) into the clinical management of individuals with pain.  

Twenty-five percent of this course builds off the introductory treatment information outlined in the Fellowship pre-requisites Neurodynamics and Too Hot to Handle (GMI) and focuses on the advanced application of these techniques in complex clinical situations.  

Twenty-five percent of this course focuses on personal and professional development, prevention of healthcare provider burnout, and integrating PNE Plus strategies into personal practices for wellness and skill development. 

By the end of the course, a successful learner will be able to:

• Implement clinical decision-making skills to identify appropriate candidates for the various techniques covered in the online pre-requisite PNEF 6410 course. 
• Demonstrate entry-level proficiency administering the variety of interventions described in PNEF 6410 to improve pain and function in individuals with pain. 
• Provide rationale for the use of interventions beyond the practitioner’s current “tool box” and/or scope of practice, and guide patients in their pursuit of individualized strategies to treat pain, including making appropriate referrals as necessary. 
• Demonstrate expert-level proficiency in administering neurodynamic tests and interventions to patients demonstrating peripheral neurogenic symptoms. 
• Demonstrate expert-level proficiency in administering GMI testing and interventions to patients demonstrating features of nociplastic pain states. 
• Establish a personal plan for integrating PNE Plus practices into daily routines to foster personal and professional well-being and prevent healthcare provider burnout.