Current scientific pain and rehabilitation research shows that movement is one of the most effective, long-term solutions and/or management strategies for most musculoskeletal pain states; but what that looks like for each person is different. There is no absolute “right” way of moving, but there are better or more meaningful ways to move.

That said, movement is not a panacea on its own. Enhanced outcomes have been shown with a combination of treatments that may include manual therapy, education and interventions by other healthcare professionals (e.g., talk therapies).

Tricia Twogood has combined her strengths in manual and physical therapies, pain education, and treatment planning and progression in order to offer therapy that is driven by your values and goals. Treatment plans are negotiated and modified as necessary as you move away from dependence on therapy, to independence and control over whatever situation you are managing.

MPC is care from a biopsychosocial perspective that understands and incorporates the importance of biological, psychological and social relationships that can contribute to, and affect pain and function.

Why Make a Pain Care Treatment Plan?

Pain is the most common reason people seek treatment from a health care professional and, even though one in five adults in Canada experience it, persistent pain is not as well managed as it could be.

Current research is showing that pain is influenced by many factors including biological, psychological and social inputs. That means there isn’t just one contributor to pain, and there isn’t just one possible solution for management and change.

Multi-modal treatments like combining manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and education within a multidisciplinary program are being shown to be more effective for long-term change and management of pain. Making a plan to coordinate more than one type of treatment is a good way to reach your goals.

Move Pain Care provides:

  • Knowledge about pain that includes written resources, discussions and answering questions about why you hurt, because knowing more about pain allows you to develop your own strategies as well.
  • Manual therapy, because sometimes movement hurts. Hands-on treatment including soft tissue and joint mobilization/manipulation, can provide some immediate pain relief to make it easier to move.
  • Movement modifications, strategies and exercises that can be integrated into your day to day activities, or geared toward strengthening or getting back to activities you love.

What Does a Plan Look Like?

Regardless of whether your pain is new or has been around for a while, each plan is unique and anchored to your personal goals.

At the initial appointment, Tricia will discuss your health history, the circumstances around the presenting issue and ensure that any conditions needing further diagnostics or follow up are considered. She will also perform a thorough physical assessment. Goals will be discussed in addition to a timeline for meeting those goals.

The plan may include:

  • Hands-on treatment for pain and mobility
  • Information about pain, as it pertains to your situation
  • Movement modifications for day to day activities
  • Graded increases in movement, exercises and loads
  • Habituation strategies to address painful movements
  • Realistic time lines for progression based on issues and goals

Your Physical Therapist

Tricia is registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. She is also an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto in the Department of Physical Therapy.