Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Assessment & Support
Optimising Your Pain Recovery with SCS Support
Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulation
A Spinal Cord Stimulator, also known as a neuromodulation implant, is an advanced medical device designed to alleviate chronic pain. It works by sending mild electrical pulses to your spinal cord, effectively altering neural “danger” messages before they reach your brain. Think of it as a 'pain dimmer switch' that helps reduce the intensity of your pain experience.
Why Occupational Therapy for SCS?
The Unique Role of Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who specialise in helping people participate in meaningful daily activities despite health challenges. For SCS treatment, they are essential because they:
Assess how pain impacts your daily routines and activities
Help you develop practical strategies to manage tasks during recovery
Ensure you're mentally and physically prepared for the procedure
Guide your return to important life activities
Beyond Pain Management
Occupational therapy addresses the whole picture of your recovery:
Physical readiness for the procedure
Psychological preparation and stress management
Practical strategies for daily activities
Sleep and lifestyle modifications
Work and leisure activity adaptations
The OT SCS Assessment Process
Stage 1: Pre-Procedure Assessment
After discussing spinal cord stimulation with your pain specialist, your journey begins with a pre-procedure session with an occupational therapist. This initial assessment is crucial for:
Understanding your current pain recovery strategies
Evaluating your physical and psychological readiness for the procedure
Setting realistic goals and expectations
Identifying potential barriers to treatment success
Stage 2: SCS Trial
If you're deemed a suitable candidate, you'll proceed to the SCS trial:
Semi-permanent leads will be placed near your spinal cord
These leads connect to an external trial stimulator
The trial typically lasts 1-4 weeks to assess effectiveness
Stage 3: Proceed to Implant
If your trial was a success, you'll proceed to the SCS battery implant
Stage 4: Post-Implant Follow-Up
After the implant, or if you did not proceed to implant, you'll have follow-up sessions with your occupational therapist:
Ideally, six sessions, commencing 4-6 weeks post implant
Your therapist will guide you in gradually returning to daily activities
You'll learn pain recovery strategies and stress reduction techniques
This will reduce your risk of pain flares and ensure you are maximising the benefit of your spinal cord stimulator
Practical Benefits
Why Occupational Therapy is Essential
Occupational therapy plays a vital role in your SCS journey by:
Providing a comprehensive pre-implant assessment
Helping set realistic, achievable goals
Addressing potential barriers to recovery
Guiding post-implant rehabilitation
Offering ongoing support and strategies for pain recovery
What to Expect from Your Occupational Therapy Sessions
During your occupational therapy sessions, you can expect:
Education about the SCS procedure and recovery process
Personalised assessment of your needs and goals
Guidance on self-management strategies
Stress management techniques
Sleep health advice
Support in adopting healthy lifestyle practices
Assistance with activity pacing and graded exposure to daily tasks
Helping You at Every Step of the Way
By engaging with occupational therapy as part of your SCS treatment, you can experience:
Improved readiness for the procedure
Enhanced recovery and postoperative rehabilitation
Comprehensive, holistic care
Emotional support throughout the process
Personal empowerment in managing your condition
Remember, your occupational therapist is here to support you every step of the way. They will work closely with your pain specialist to ensure you receive the best possible care and outcomes from your SCS treatment.
For more information or to schedule your assessment, please contact our clinic. We're here to help you on your journey towards better pain recovery and improved quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my pain specialist referred me to an occupational therapist?
A: Occupational therapists are crucial members of your pain management team because they focus on helping you perform daily activities more effectively. They ensure you're well-prepared for the SCS procedure and can make the most of this treatment in your everyday life.
How does occupational therapy contribute to the SCS assessment process?
A: Occupational therapists conduct comprehensive pre-implant assessments, evaluating how pain affects your daily activities, work, and quality of life. They help set realistic goals, identify potential barriers to recovery, and prepare you mentally and physically for the procedure.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients benefit from one pre-procedure session and six follow-up sessions over 4-6 weeks after implantation. Your specific needs may vary, and your therapist will create a personalised plan.
What activities will the occupational therapist focus on during SCS treatment?
A: An occupational therapist will focus on activities that are meaningful to you, such as self-care tasks, work-related activities, and leisure pursuits. They'll help you gradually return to these activities using strategies like pacing, ergonomic modifications, and adaptive techniques.
Will I learn new ways to manage my pain?
Yes, you'll learn evidence-based strategies including:
Activity pacing techniques
Ergonomic modifications
Stress management methods
Sleep improvement strategies
Energy conservation techniques
How will the occupational therapist help me use the SCS effectively in my daily life?
A: The occupational therapist will guide you in integrating the use of your SCS into your daily routines and activities. They'll help you understand how to adjust stimulation levels for different tasks and teach you strategies to maximise the benefits of the SCS throughout your day.
Will the occupational therapist help me return to work after the SCS procedure?
A: Yes, if returning to work is one of your goals, the occupational therapist can assess your work environment and tasks, recommend modifications if needed, and develop a plan to gradually increase your work capacity while managing pain.
How does occupational therapy help with work return?
Your therapist will:
Analyse your work tasks and environment
Recommend workplace modifications
Develop a graduated return-to-work plan
Teach you strategies to manage work demands
How does occupational therapy address sleep issues due to chronic pain?
A: Occupational therapists can provide guidance on sleep hygiene, bedroom ergonomics, and relaxation techniques to improve sleep quality. They may also help you establish routines that promote better sleep patterns.
Can occupational therapy help me engage in leisure activities despite chronic pain?
A: Absolutely. Your occupational therapist will work with you to modify leisure activities or find new ones that align with your interests and physical capabilities, helping you maintain a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Will occupational therapy address the emotional aspects of living with chronic pain?
A: Yes, occupational therapists take a holistic approach. They can provide strategies for managing stress and anxiety related to chronic pain, and help you develop coping mechanisms to improve your overall emotional well-being.
How do I prepare for my first appointment?
Consider:
Your daily routine and challenging activities
Goals you'd like to achieve
Questions about the SCS process
Current pain management strategies
Can occupational therapy help me reduce my reliance on pain medications?
A: While medication management is primarily the role of your pain specialist, occupational therapy can provide non-pharmacological pain management strategies that may help reduce reliance on medications over time. Always consult with your pain specialist before making any changes to your medication regimen.
What happens if the SCS trial isn't successful?
Your occupational therapist will continue to work with you on alternative pain management strategies and help you maintain function in daily activities, regardless of the trial outcome.
Booking Your Assessment
Take the first step in your SCS journey by scheduling your initial occupational therapy assessment. Our experienced team works closely with your pain specialist to ensure comprehensive care throughout your treatment process.
Call us on (08) 7082 0622 or email reception@lifeworksot.com.au to get started.